ground starter switch?

caraneo

New User
Hello,
Recently got a 1950 8n, after replacing the gas tank that had 2 inches of rust, and the hydraulic flyid full of pine needles, I have encounterd a starter or ignition switch problem. I can start the tractor after twisting together both wires going to the key switch and touching them to the battery ground terminal, which causes the battery guage to jump up. I was getting no starter action or battery guage movement when I turned the key. I assume the ground to the switch or starter is compromised but dont know what to do. Anyone encountered this or know what I should do? Thanks a lot.
Chad
 
The battery does not have a ground terminal. It has a positive and a negative terminal, either one of which may be connected to the tractor chassis.

Is your tractor 6v or 12v?

Which battery terminal is connected to the tractor chassis?

Do you understand that the key switch is not supposed to operate the starter?

Do you have a wiring diagram for the tractor?
75 Tips
 
Thanks, its a 6v. I assumed the black wire off the battery was considered the ground, I will check if its connected to the chassis tomorrow. Yes I know theres a starter button by the shifter, this button did nothing and the battery guage didnt budge when i turned key until i disconnected both wires to the key switch, twisted them together, and touched them to the black wire terminal on my battery.
Thanks
 
Electrons are color blind. Do not ever assume on an old vehicle that the color of the battery cable indicates polarity. The tractor should be positive ground, meaning that the cable attached to the positive battery terminal should go to the chassis of the tractor.

If the tractor is set up negative ground and the battery is charging, leave it be.
75 Tips
 
Welcome to the wonderful world of antique Ford Tractors -you'll love it! Now let's get down to business. A common error many newbies make is assuming things without prior knowledge on how and why things are on the tractors. If you don't already own copies of these important manuals, many here suggest you invest in them and read them religiously. SAFETY is a big factor in the usage of a tractor as well. We read about accidents all the time from misuse due to ignorance, and often times they are fatal. In addition, you may do irreversible damage to one or more systems that could end up costing you big bucks to fix. Do a lot of research, seek out the archived posts; just plug in any keyword topic and you will get a ton of info from previous postings. The manuals pictured below are essential to owning an N-Series Tractor. The I&T F-04 manual and MPC (Master Parts Catalog) are the two most important ones to have if nothing else. Electrical systems were originally 6-volt/positive ground set ups. Why? Short story is positive ground creates hotter spark. The tractor will operate with a 6-volt battery connected with either a positive or negative ground. Just be sure you now which it is. Like Bruce said, electrons are color blind so do not assume red and black mean anything. Get the wiring diagrams and do your own investigation. There's no telling what any previous owners have done. Battery cables should be Size 00 -as thick as your thumb with a braided wire ground strap -see LINK below. It's very important that you know what you are dealing with before jumping in head first into the deep end. You also mention pine needles in the hydraulic oil. I'd bet you also have water contamination as well -what color is the oil? A murky brown is a good sign the oil is mixed with water. Your best course of action is to deal with each system as you go BEFORE trying to operate the tractor.

Essential N-Series tractor manuals:
FORD8NMANUALS-REQUIRED_zps59fa6cd1.jpg

Tim *PloughNman* Daley(MI)
8N Battery Ground Strap
 
step 1

remove all wires from your tractor except spark plug wires, and battery / starter wires, but do remove those to inspect and clean, replacing as needed.

step 2

put new wires on, thus no guessing what is what.

If you have a roll of wire, some zip ties, some electrical tape, and a box of wire terminal ends.. this SHOULD take about 5 minutes.
 

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