Safety switch..

[Paint Horse]

Ok guys, I'm very limited on tractor knowledge, but with reading these forums , I'm learning more and more, thanks for that. I've got a 1958 mf65 gas, converted to electronic ignition and alternator. I believed I'm having problems with the neutral safety switch, as sometimes when ignition switch is on, start button pushed, I get nothing.. no clicking, not even a hum. Both shift levers in neutral position. Battery is fully charged. After moving key back and forth a couple of times, then pushing start button, it starts. Ignition switch is new, and connected correctly, exactly as old switch was wired. Could it be the safety switch, and if so, where is it located and how can I test it. Remember , I'm new at this, so please respond in terms I can understand, and follow. Thanks!

 

[John Deere D]

Quote:
..... Could it be the safety switch, .....

YES, it could be the Safety switch....

If you remove the two wires on the safety switch, connect them together...then try starting the engine.

NOTE....IF TRACTOR IS in GEAR and you perform the above, and the Engine starts...you could cause INJUREY.......!!!!!


Pics are of a 6 speed ..1963 MF 35 Transmission.
NOTE.. Location of safety Switch.

 

[Dieseltech]

The safety start switch is on top of the transmission in line with the hi/lo neutral shift lever. Pull the two wires and connect them together, if it starts OK then the safety switch needs replaced.

 

[Eric in IL]

It could be the neutral safety switch. Reading your description of events does not point to that switch though.

The switch is under the battery on the carburetor side of the tractor. It screws into the top of the transmission housing. Current should pass through the switch when the tractor is in neutral.

I would suspect the starter solenoid or a loose and/or dirty battery cable. The ground cable from the battery needs good shiny connections also.

An easy but not foolproof test of the solenoid is to have someone tap on the solenoid when the problem occurs. If the tapping makes your tractor start, replace the solenoid.

 

[Paint Horse]

Thanks for the pics , and yes Sir, I tend to be a death magnet, so I'm always making sure I'm aware of tractor safety issues.

 

[Paint Horse]

Thanks. Appreciate the info !

 

[Bob N.Y.]

Turning the key switch off and on shouldn't cause the neutral safety switch to start working. It is possible that your new key switch is faulty. If you have a 12 volt test light, check to see if there power to the safety switch when the starter doesn't engage and power going thru it.

 

[Paint Horse]

Thanks, I'll give that a shot as well. Appreciate it.

 

[Paint Horse]

That makes sense, I'll try that, thanks. Appreciate the response

 

[J.Wondergem]

You could chase it down with a cheap Probe.
Hoabor Freight, 3.99.

 

[Bob N.Y.]

Another thought. Sometimes you need to wiggle the range lever a little to find the sweet spot. Have you tried that?

 

[jt501]

it could also possibly be your starter contacts.