Can I replace the factory hi/low light switch with a two position switch. I know that the factory switch is part of the charging system. Is it possible to rewire so that i can use a standard off the shelf 2 position switch. Any help I would be greatful. Thanks,

Eric

Thanks for all the replies, this helps me a great deal.

Eric

Here's how I did it on my G (hope the formatting works) :

Switch must be DPDT with a center off position. The center position is low charge, no lights. On one direction is high charge, on the other direction is low charge with lights on.

Terminals on the back of the switch :

1 4 2 is the pole for throws 1 and 3

2 5 5 is the pole for throws 4 and 6

3 6

Here is my wiring diagram, which uses the switch terminals as terminal posts :

Wire Connections

A 1 to 3 B 3 to ground (I soldered to a ring the same size as the hole for the switch)

C 2 to Field of Generator D 4 to Lights E 5 to Battery

The 3 ohm 20 Watt resistor connects between 1 and 2.

Note : A 10 Watt would probably work, but I didn't want it to heat up. When I grounded the field terminal through my meter, I measured about 1.5 Amps, which would be a maximum of 6.75 Watts dissipated by the resistor. As the G only has one headlight along with the little tail light, I actually get 4 amps on the slow charge position with lights on.

I hope this helps ...

The idea of servicing the switch is good. All I had to do to mine to make it work was to spray it down with WD-40 and work it. It works great now. You can also go to any ARGO-Allis dealer and order one. It was cheaper than the prices above.

Eric,
Yes, you can use a different light switch BUT it will involve rewiring with a voltage regulator for the charging system and the different light switch and an inline fuse. The two position part of the origional switch was for controlling the resister, so, a single position would suffice for controlling the lights. You may want to check out prices both ways. New origional light switch may be the cheapest way to fix the problem!!! Duey

Eric,
What's wrong with your switch? Rusted or stuck?The OEM three position switches are servicable. I have a couple that I'm restoring now, and will be available for resale shortly on exchange or outright. A few aftermarket companies sell a replacement for around $49. that's available. If interested drop me an e-mail. Steve

Hate to say it, but I think you'd be better off buying a replacement switch from Norm's Toys or Sandy Lake Implement. They are like 30 bucks or so, but you'll save time and the job with look a lot better. There's glass fuse on the back side, so you'd have to include that etc......