12 volt conversion problem

I changed my early '60s 4cyl 2000 to 12 volt using a kit bought from this site. While it turns over very quickly, it is hard to start. It seems that it only starts when you let go of the key while trying to start it. Almost feels like it is getting no power to the points. It has the original 4 post solenoid, I don't think that it is connected wrong because I don't think it would turn over at all if the two small wires were reversed. Anyway, it runs fine if I can get it started. At ideas?
 
If it's a 4 cylinder 4000 with a 4 post solenoid and you're using the key to start it then that's not the original key switch. The original key switch only provided power to the ignition circuit and any accessories, while the starter switch was a button down on the transmission top plate that looked sort of like a early 1960's automobile high beam switch. The starter switch only allowed the tractor to start when the transmission was in neutral, and it provided the path to ground for the primary side of the solenoid.

It sounds like you need to add a wire from the start position on the key switch (or the solenoid post that gets its power from the start position on the key switch) to the coil so the coil will get power when the key is in both the run and start positions.If there is a resistor in line with the wire that is already going to the coil, you should consider bypassing the resistor with the new wire to get a stronger spark while starting.
 
It is pretty easy to check if it is not getting power to the coil when your turning it over. You can hot wire it and if it starts easy then you know something in the wiring is wrong or if you use a test light on the ignition side of the coil while spinning it over and the light does not light you know it has no power.
 
If your "kit" had a resistor supplied in it to use in the coil wire, it may very well be too high value, as many seem to be.
 
I misspoke, I am using the starter switch that came with the tractor, not the key, to start it. As I understand it, the starter switch provides the ground to the solenoid to complete the circuit.
Sorry for the confusion.
Tex
 

Sounds like someone replaced the key switch with one that has a start feature, key start switches do not supply power to the coil in the start position, They rely on a ignition feed back for the starter solenoid.
It the tractor has the original style starter relay it doesn't have the ignition feed back feature.
The best thing to do is get the push button working again so that you also have the neutral safety feature.
 
Classic symptom of low voltage at the coil. Engine starts when coil voltage increases after releasing starter switch and engine still rotating.

Could be a multitude of things depending upon the design of the "kit."

Impossible to conclusively diagnose from available information.

Dean
 
I would check the wiring to the coil.

you might have a marginal ignition switch wire connection, bad connections at a resistor ( if installed ).

Try this.

hot wire the coil, and try to start.

If no better.. check spark.. is your coil old? or a 6v coil and a resistor? if yes to either.. get a napa ic 14SB.. run new wires and new ignition switch just to start fresh. and don't run headlamps thru the ignition switch.
 

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