Questions about converting to a key start instead of button

[Ol Kansas Fiddler]

It appears my push-button switch on my 1955 Ford 860 is not making a good ground, and I'm avoiding the task of taking the top of the transmission to replace it. Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the ignition switch that the Master Parts Catalog shows:
8N-3679-C Lock & Wire Assy. - Ignition (With 2 Keys) only has "off" and "on" positions. I'm wanting a "start" position as well. Shouldn't it be as easy as taking the wire going to the push-button switch up to the "start" terminal on the new switch? Is there anything I'm missing here?

Also, can anyone recommend a good universal key switch with keys for what I'm wanting to do?

Thanks for the help.

 

[JMOR]

(quoted from post at 16:59:18 01/27/21) It appears my push-button switch on my 1955 Ford 860 is not making a good ground, and I'm avoiding the task of taking the top of the transmission to replace it. Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the ignition switch that the Master Parts Catalog shows:
8N-3679-C Lock & Wire Assy. - Ignition (With 2 Keys) only has "off" and "on" positions. I'm wanting a "start" position as well. Shouldn't it be as easy as taking the wire going to the push-button switch up to the "start" terminal on the new switch? Is there anything I'm missing here?

Also, can anyone recommend a good universal key switch with keys for what I'm wanting to do?

Thanks for the help.

ord designed that start switch for your safety. Key start switches wiil output a voltage in 'start', not ground.

 

[Sean in PA]

The original start button completes the path to ground from the solenoid which always has +6 or +12 volts when the key is in the run position. A key switch with a "start" position supplies hot (+6 or +12 volts) to it's start terminal when it is in the start position, which the solenoid already has. You would need a different solenoid and rewire things completely differently to get a key switch with a start position to start that tractor. It would be easier to disconnect the wire going to the start button on the trans and install a momentary contact push button switch to provide the path to ground from the solenoid.

 

[graham_in_NJ]

Removing the trans cover and replacing the switch is probably one of the easier repairs to these tractors. Buy a cover gasket and new switch (don't forget the switch gasket). Should take less than an hour.

 

[Ol Kansas Fiddler]

Wow, I'm glad I asked before I just went and did it. Not sure what would have happened; I suppose I could have burned something up. Thanks for the knowledge.

 

[Hdonly]

Both my Jubilee and 651 were converted to 12 volt neg ground alternators before I bought them. The jubilee has a separate push button start and the 651 has a start position on the key switch. Neither is a problem as I always check for neutral and push the clutch when starting. I am the only one that operates them.

 

[JMOR]

(quoted from post at 13:27:34 01/30/21) Both my Jubilee and 651 were converted to 12 volt neg ground alternators before I bought them. The jubilee has a separate push button start and the 651 has a start position on the key switch. Neither is a problem as I always check for neutral and push the clutch when starting. I am the only one that operates them.

omeone on the forum once described tow-starting his tractor, all alone, by chaining his truck to tractor, setting truck throttle, & when both moving, jump out of truck , run & climb onto tractor, in gear for start, & when running, use brakes to stall truck. Mission accomplished and "completely unharmed". Safety above all else!

 

[Hdonly]

(quoted from post at 11:50:11 01/30/21)

(quoted from post at 13:27:34 01/30/21) Both my Jubilee and 651 were converted to 12 volt neg ground alternators before I bought them. The jubilee has a separate push button start and the 651 has a start position on the key switch. Neither is a problem as I always check for neutral and push the clutch when starting. I am the only one that operates them.

omeone on the forum once described tow-starting his tractor, all alone, by chaining his truck to tractor, setting truck throttle, & when both moving, jump out of truck , run & climb onto tractor, in gear for start, & when running, use brakes to stall truck. Mission accomplished and "completely unharmed". Safety above all else!

I ain't quite that quick and nimble. Afraid I would end up on the ground watching the truck and tractor running into the side of the house-after being run over by the tractor.