Bad replacement starter switch

Paul in Edmonton · Sep 26, 2016

I recently changed my 8N's solenoid back to original from a key start. The original starter switch had been there, but seemed flaky, so I bought a replacement. (I got it from the other site, since this one won't ship to Canada.)

It was fine for the first few months, but I was out at the cabin yesterday, and the tractor wouldn't turn over at all when I pressed the button. A few seconds with a voltmeter isolated the problem to the starter switch, and a piece of wire was used to short it to start the tractor. (I don't mind doing this, but the whole point of going back to the original setup was to get the safety of not being able to start in gear!)

Any ideas why the starter switch wouldn't work? Is this common with the replacements? Is there anything I can do to repair it?

Thanks,

-Paul

souNdguy · Sep 26, 2016

While I can think of one 'volt meter' test you could do to determine a partial failure in that thumb switch, a better test
would be with an 'ohm meter'.

Those switches are pretty simple on / off switches with simple mechanical interlock. if the trans is in gear, the switch
can't be pushed enough to make contact.

All that switch does is provide ground for the starter relay coil.

Remove it's wire and replace the wire or at least test it. a break int he wire, or loose ends could be your entire problem.

Next, press and hold the button down and rotate it many times in both directions.

It could have some sort of corrosion on it internally... There's just not too much to go wrong with them in normal
circumstances.

Post back.

Paul in Edmonton · Sep 26, 2016

Thanks.

Nothing wrong with the wire. When I shorted it, I did it between where the wire connects to the switch and the transmission cover. (I keep a wire that's just a few inches long wrapped around my gearshift for occasions like this.)

The volt meter test was just that there was voltage across that same gap--and the battery wasn't dead (which was my first concern when I pressed the button and nothing happened).

I'll try the push and rotate idea next time I'm out there. Hopefully, it is just a bit of corrosion, and that'll take care of it.

It could be a while before I post back, though, since I don't know when I'll be there next.

-Paul

souNdguy · Sep 26, 2016

Try the ohm meter test, with the wire from the relay disconnected and insulated.

Can also take a test lamp, clip to bat hot and probe the tab at the base of the switch and push, twist, etc. Might see dim, then twinkle and bright.

tractorguy2 · Sep 26, 2016

A friend has a 641. I put a new wiring harness, key switch, and start button on it. All the old parts were shot.Tractor had sat
for a number of years and mice got in it. Once in a while the tractor would not start with the button. I found if I shake the gear
shift lever while pushing the button it would start. I'm guessing his tractor has something wore out under the transmission top.

souNdguy · Sep 27, 2016

Paul in Edmonton · Oct 3, 2016

Well, I was out there yesterday. I didn't have need to use the tractor, but I did fiddle with the button, pressing and rotating. In doing so, the starter did kick a couple of times, but I didn't get it to the point of being reliable. I'll keep at it over the next few trips and see what happens.

-Paul

Bad replacement starter switch

Paul in Edmonton

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Paul in Edmonton

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