Ford 860 Starter Button replacement

I am needing to replace the starter button on the transmission. When removing the gear lever, do I have to remove the woodruff key and associated spring? If so, how do I remove the key and put it back together? If anyone has pictures or a video, that would be even better. I have the shop manual but it assumes the mechanic has a level of knowledge that I don't have, hence the question.

I bought the tractor used, obviously, and the wiring was all funky. Recently the battery stopped charging, but was otherwise running fine. When trying to diagnose the problem, I discovered the weird wiring job. So, I have rewired it following the original wiring diagram and replaced the starter relay, ammeter, and voltage regulator. All I have left is to replace the old, abandoned, starter button. I figure from there, I can make modifications and repair the generator if need be. Also, how does the button start the tractor without two wires? I know its a round about way, but I believe I am fixing future problems.

Thanks,
Patrick
 

I've never had the top off a 5 speed, so can't help you there.
The starter button simply grounds the solenoid that already has power to it, N oneed for two wires to the button.
 

It is TRICKY! it helps to use some very tacky grease to hold the key in place. Other than that some study on how it wants to go and where to hold the spring while you slip it together.
 
if your tractor starts when you press the button there is no reason to remove/replace the mechanism - all that button does is provide a ground to the solenoid when you press the button, it is quite simple and durable, and is seldom an issue - it has nothing to do with the charging system and is not the reason the generator/alternator is not charging the battery -

if you still need/desire to remove the top cover, spray the key (which does have to be removed) with penetrating oil and tap it gently with a small hammer, alternating top and bottom to get it rocking in the groove - after you get it moving a bit you can get a small bladed screwdriver behind it at the top and pry it out - it is a stock size key that's available at most any hardware store, so if it's buggered at all, replace it - - keeping it in place along with the spring when putting the mechanism back together is more challenging that taking it apart, so be sure you really want to do this -
 
All I have left is to replace the old, abandoned, starter button.

Sounds like it wasn't connected when you got the tractor. I would test it before replacing it. Chances are it might still work.
 
Thank you for the reply. My plan is to verify the wiring is correct and try to start the tractor again. If it doesn't start, I will test/ replace the starter button; I already have the part. Is there a way to test the button when its still installed?

Patrick
 
"Is there a way to test the button when its still installed? "

connect one lead of a continuity tester to the hot side of the battery (originally this would have been the (-) terminal for the 6v system, converted systems usually reverse this - connect to whichever terminal runs to the solenoid), connect the other end to terminal where the wire attaches at the button - the transmission must be in neutral (5 speed neutral is 'up and down' with the gear shift and in the middle of its travel) - press the button and it should create a ground such that your continuity tester lights up/goes to 0 resistance -
 
(quoted from post at 07:45:24 08/12/17) "Is there a way to test the button when its still installed? "

connect one lead of a continuity tester to the hot side of the battery (originally this would have been the (-) terminal for the 6v system, converted systems usually reverse this - connect to whichever terminal runs to the solenoid), connect the other end to terminal where the wire attaches at the button - the transmission must be in neutral (5 speed neutral is 'up and down' with the gear shift and in the middle of its travel) - press the button and it should create a ground such that your continuity tester lights up/goes to 0 resistance -

Smart man! Thanks.
 
(quoted from post at 09:54:55 08/12/17)
Smart man! Thanks.

Not so much, I don't think.

Simply connect an ohm meter (continuity tester) between the terminal on the starter button and a good ground. You should see zero resistance (full continuity) or close to it with the starter button depressed. You should see no continuity with the button in the at rest position or fully raised.
 
(quoted from post at 07:45:24 08/12/17) "Is there a way to test the button when its still installed? "

connect one lead of a continuity tester to the hot side of the battery (originally this would have been the (-) terminal for the 6v system, converted systems usually reverse this - connect to whichever terminal runs to the solenoid), connect the other end to terminal where the wire attaches at the button - the transmission must be in neutral (5 speed neutral is 'up and down' with the gear shift and in the middle of its travel) - press the button and it should create a ground such that your continuity tester lights up/goes to 0 resistance -

Well, Pomester I think that you are smart enough. Test light, ohm meter, six of one half dozen of the other. No reason to call somebody not so smart.
 
(quoted from post at 18:15:01 08/12/17)
(quoted from post at 07:45:24 08/12/17) "Is there a way to test the button when its still installed? "

connect one lead of a continuity tester to the hot side of the battery (originally this would have been the (-) terminal for the 6v system, converted systems usually reverse this - connect to whichever terminal runs to the solenoid), connect the other end to terminal where the wire attaches at the button - the transmission must be in neutral (5 speed neutral is 'up and down' with the gear shift and in the middle of its travel) - press the button and it should create a ground such that your continuity tester lights up/goes to 0 resistance -

Well, Pomester I think that you are smart enough. Test light, ohm meter, six of one half dozen of the other. No reason to call somebody not so smart.

Try it! You need a voltmeter for his way. not a continuity meter!
 

Besides which, my way you're dealing with the starter switch only. His way you have several other variables in the loop.
 
Larry - I've been called too smart for my own good and also a dumb*** in the same conversation - I wear both with pride -

I agree there are multiple ways to approach testing this switch - I don't see where it gets much simpler than applying a voltage and seeing if the switch will create a ground - I've got a little 6/12v continuity tester with an alligator clip on the end of 2' of wire and a awl point on the other - I'd clip the the alligator to the hot post of the battery, ground the point and see if tester was working, then hold the point on the switch terminal, push the switch and see if the light in the handle illuminates -
 
So the starter button is no bueno. I have been unable to get the woodruff key out. For the life of me I cant remember how the ignition switch was wired to use just the key. The keyed switch has a assesory, battery, and ignition option, in that order. Does any one know how to wire to use the same keyed switch and bypass the button? Thanks
 

To use that switch, you'll need a different solenoid. The OEM solenoid uses an external ground source to activate it. The switch you're citing would need a solenoid that uses an external power source for activation.
 
(quoted from post at 20:34:10 08/13/17)
To use that switch, you'll need a different solenoid. The OEM solenoid uses an external ground source to activate it. The switch you're citing would need a solenoid that uses an external power source for activation.
nd your switch needs a Start position, too.
 

On that statement check this out though. For some reason when I turn my key and hit the button the starter continues to turn until I shut down the switch. Does this constitute a possible starter button issue?
 
(quoted from post at 22:55:33 02/25/21)
On that statement check this out though. For some reason when I turn my key and hit the button the starter continues to turn until I shut down the switch. Does this constitute a possible starter button issue?

Sounds more like it's not wired correctly or the solenoid is either bad or the incorrect type for how it's wired.
 
(quoted from post at 19:55:33 02/25/21)
On that statement check this out though. For some reason when I turn my key and hit the button the starter continues to turn until I shut down the switch. Does this constitute a possible starter button issue?


LJS30, what does "shut down the switch" mean? I don't see anything in this thread that it would apply to.
 
(quoted from post at 07:23:48 02/26/21)
(quoted from post at 19:55:33 02/25/21)
On that statement check this out though. For some reason when I turn my key and hit the button the starter continues to turn until I shut down the switch. Does this constitute a possible starter button issue?


LJS30, what does "shut down the switch" mean? I don't see anything in this thread that it would apply to.

I assumed he meant the key switch.
 
(quoted from post at 12:23:48 02/26/21)
(quoted from post at 19:55:33 02/25/21)
On that statement check this out though. For some reason when I turn my key and hit the button the starter continues to turn until I shut down the switch. Does this constitute a possible starter button issue?


LJS30, what does "shut down the switch" mean? I don't see anything in this thread that it would apply to.

Here is the issue in a formula:

Key on ---> Starter button pressed ---> Engine turns--- > Button released ---> Engine continues turning----> Key switched off ---> Engine stops turning over
 
(quoted from post at 14:55:26 02/26/21)
(quoted from post at 12:23:48 02/26/21)
(quoted from post at 19:55:33 02/25/21)
On that statement check this out though. For some reason when I turn my key and hit the button the starter continues to turn until I shut down the switch. Does this constitute a possible starter button issue?


LJS30, what does "shut down the switch" mean? I don't see anything in this thread that it would apply to.

Here is the issue in a formula:

Key on ---> Starter button pressed ---> Engine turns--- > Button released ---> Engine continues turning----> Key switched off ---> Engine stops turning over
60 should have a solenoid with 2 large terminals and[u:72c329151c]one[/u:72c329151c] small terminal, but your symptoms force me to ask does your solenoid have [u:72c329151c]two[/u:72c329151c] small terminals?
 

Check it out JMOR.


mvphoto70859.jpg
 
(quoted from post at 18:46:58 02/27/21)
Check it out JMOR.


mvphoto70859.jpg
ne small terminal is hot from ignition switch (most likely the one with 3 wires on it) & the other is from the neutral safety start switch (supplying ground during start). Take the single wire off terminal and temporarily touch it to terminal, start engine and when starter keeps on running, remove the temporary connection. If that stops the starter, then the problem is a ground in that wire somewhere along its length or the start switch is sticking and still supplying ground after you release it.
 
If it was just an unwanted ground in the starter switch circuit side of the solenoid, then when he turned the key off and back on again the starter should kick in, but he says that after he turns the key off and back on that he has to press the starter switch to get the starter to turn again.
 
(quoted from post at 15:45:05 02/28/21) If it was just an unwanted ground in the starter switch circuit side of the solenoid, then when he turned the key off and back on again the starter should kick in, but he says that after he turns the key off and back on that he has to press the starter switch to get the starter to turn again.
any possibilities where contact is lost once current stops flowing. Just test for possibilities instead of guessing.
 
(quoted from post at 16:48:13 02/28/21)
Will do!! Is there any chance that I have something simply mis-wired onto the solenoid?
f you have not changed wiring between "works fine" and "does NOT work fine", then that is not likely possibility.
 

You know all my problems began after I messed with the intake tube from the carburetor. I bought a nice tube and was tightening things up when this all began.
 

Okay man I finally got time from my kids to work on this tractor. Check this out!! I took the wire from the solenoid to the starter button out completely and did exactly what you stated. It worked absolutely fine!!! So perhaps the wire was touching another wire or something? I think I am going to nonetheless get a new wire from the solenoid to the starter button.
 
(quoted from post at 18:43:14 03/06/21)
Okay man I finally got time from my kids to work on this tractor. Check this out!! I took the wire from the solenoid to the starter button out completely and did exactly what you stated. It worked absolutely fine!!! So perhaps the wire was touching another wire or something? I think I am going to nonetheless get a new wire from the solenoid to the starter button.
appy for you!
:)
 

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