TO30 starter switch SMOKING???

[to30guy]

Anyone have a good picture of the starter switch located underneath the battery on a 1951 TO30?? I"m putting my TO30 back together and when I hook the battery up, I"m getting smoke coming from the starter switch underneath the battery. I DO have the polarity correct. The smoke is coming out of the switch itself. It"s the switch that is engaged by pushing the transmission shift leaver forward to the "S" position. It smokes even when the "S" position is not engaged. I know that this switch has not been removed in over 35 years and the battery cable studs on the switch are turning so I guess I will have to get the switch out. Just want to do a little research ahead of time. Thanks

 

[to30guy]

Hey fellas, went ahead and removed the switch. I was thinking it was a lot more complicated than that. It's got to be a worn-out switch contacts, nothing else there that could smoke. It looks a lot like the old Chevy truck switch that had the starter switch in the floor. (Y'all remember them, don't you). Thanks

 

[trac]

AH the old smoky switch. Just in case you would like to double check your wiring Ferguson Enthusiasts.org look under resources the wiring diagram will be there, that is the Fena web site it can and will help.

 

[Richard L]

I remember the bright light dimmer switch on the floor board but not a starter switch. Must be a year younger than you. LOL

 

[Bill Brox]

Can you turn new contacts in a lathe ?

By the way, I had hoped someone had given the switch tobacco,... since it was smoking... but no such luck I guess.


Bill

 

[trac]

Not to get of subject but a friends Cadillac had a radio nob on the floor that can be a little hazardous.

 

[Richard L]

Trac, did you tell him to pick it up and put it back on the radio? He might have appreciated it. LOL

 

[Don Norris]

I saw the switch for sell at Tractor Supply Company for about $12.00. I bought mine from the older auto parts house in town. They sell Standard Products. Part # is SS564. Price is also about $12.00.
(I was never allowed to drive a Chevy when younger, only a Ford. That switch looked the same.. as best as I remember. ;>)..

 

[john[mo]]

yep my 1955 first series chevy pickup had the foot start pedal.it actually pushed the starter drive which also made the motor contacts too.

 

[John Kruer]

If the studs are turning then you cannot tighten up the cable ends. The loose cable ends are what is causing the heat up and probably not the contacts. Any loose electrical connection will cause resistance in the line and cause a heat buildup.

My 50 chevy AD truck has the foot start.

 

[2tractors]

My guess would have been a leaky front tranny seal or rear bearing seal and the oil on the contacts, parked my 50 on a downhill and it filled up the starter with fluid, gotta clean the hole and fix that leak.

 

[John(UK)]

You may get some adjustment on it by slackening the screws holding it to the top of the transmission and sliding the switch forward, if it still smokes after doing this, just change the switch as either the contacts are burnt or the terminal bolts that the battery leads attach are loose. You can get the switch from this site or from a Sparex stockist...John(UK)[email protected]