Knife type Ignition Switch

Jerry Grant · Jun 17, 2017

I hope you guys don't mind all my questions. Thanks for your answers. According to my parts manual, my 1937 ZTU (no electrics) had a knife type ignition switch which had the only wire that went to the magneto. If I can find a knife type ignition switch, where did it mount? Does anyone have a picture of one mounted on a tractor?

molinegb · Jun 17, 2017

Switch is mounted on steering wheel bracket,left side. Kill switch as it grounds out magneto coil.

T.R.K. · Jun 17, 2017

Back when I was working on my JTU, which I think would be about 12-15 years ago, I found one of those knife switches (pretty close at least) at my local Lowes home center. It was in one of the drawers in the hardware department marked something like 'science project'. It had a black plastic base instead of a porcelain one (like I think was original) and I had to ream the holes in the steering post just a bit to make it bolt up. I just looped a short pigtail from one terminal to one of the mount screws for a ground.

Of course, if you put one on, get in the habit of opening the switch it as soon as the engine stops. If I forgot, I usually a cranked an engine with no spark for a while before I realized my mistake.

Kirbsterbbq · Jun 18, 2017

If you want a nice porcelain knife switch, Starbolt Engine Supply that has parts for old hit and miss fly wheel engines.

If you look in their catalog on the top of page 32 part #890 B1, they have both the porcelain and spastic knife switches.

http://starboltenginesupplies.com/

Bill and Linda are great to work with, and if they do not have it they know who does.

Knife type Ignition Switch

Jerry Grant

Member

molinegb

Well-known Member

T.R.K.

Well-known Member

Kirbsterbbq

Member

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