Hi all!
I'm new to this forum but would like to learn more about tractors, specifically my first tractor! :)
It's a 1958 Ford 841 Diesel. It starts up easy and the engine purrs nicely! Please see the attached pictures.
What I have done so far: new diesel in the tank with stabilizers/additives, new oil/filter, new radiator fluid.
The transmission fluid / other fluids are still good but may replace next year.
The issues/questions:
1. My what is the button there that's near the key ignition. I'm pointing at it.
2. The only way I can kill the engine (other than shutting off the fuel) would be to lower the throttle all the way down and it stalls out. I think the previous owner did something with the electrical, because I can't pull the key out but can start the tractor in on and off position. When the key is on, the lights and meters will work. Again I can start with the key on or off. Am I missing a kill switch somewhere?
Thanks for the help in advance!

The upper solenoid is for the manifold heaters, it should click when you push on the button above the key.

Lower solenoid operates the starter and should only activate when the key is on, lights are like your car, they can be turned on and off without the key being on.

Looks like someone has made a mess of the wiring, I don't have my manual for the series here with me,"loaned it to my brother".

Maybe someone else can post the wiring diagram to help you sort it out.

thank you all for the responses! That makes total sense now with the throttle level to turn off as well as the two buttons on the side to help with the cold starts. I just need to figure out how the key wiring works now as it can start with the keys on and off; I found that I can also use the front and rear lights with the key turned off as well. I m not very good with electrical; any pointers where to begin ? Looks like I have two of those selenoids.

Throttle lever full forward is the way the shut the engine off

It's wired wrong, should only start with key on and trans in neutral, that white wire on the battery side of the solenoid has been added, not sure where it goes.

The button above the key operates the intake air heaters.

Quoting Removed, click Modern View to see

That's only true if everything is wired correctly.
The correct solenoid just means that the primary is isolated so that it doesn't ground itself out through the case. The hot side of the solenoid could be wired such that it bypasses the key switch and is always hot, so pushing down on the starter button would start it no matter what position the key is in.

If you use the correct solenoid it will not start until the switch is on.

As Ultradog said, throttle all the way forward is off. If you slowly bring it back you should feel a resistance then easier again. That is the point of enabling the fuel flow. Starting with the key either on or off isn't right. If key is off should not be able to turn over. I'd say there is a wire crossed in that circuit. You will want a ORC adapter for your PTO shaft if you don't have one on yet. Let's you brush mow without getting pushed into the tree's, fence etc when you want to stop. Congrats on a decent looking old tractor.

As said, throttle lever is used to stop engine on those era Ford tractors. Some IH and JD stop engine with throttle lever too.

My pal Kenny has that same tractor.
It's a honey of a machine.
I don't know all the ins and outs on it but have used it some.
On his that's how the throttle handle is supposed to work - push it all the way forward to kill the engine. There are no electrical connections to the injector pump on those tractors. The fuel system is entirely mechanical.
You could start the engine then take the battery out and the engine would run fine all day untill you shut it off with the handle. Or you could park it on a hill and roll start it. Won't hurt anything.
I think the button you are pointing to operates the air preheaters. There are two big spark plug looking things in the intake manifold that heat up the air. It is a cold weather starting aid. Push the button and you should hear a solenoid click if the system is working. There is a very good Ford specific forum here at Yesterday's Tractors with a very knowledgeable bunch of fellows there.
Click on the link below if you have more questions about your tractor.

• Ford Board

Oops.
This IS the Ford Bord.
I thought we were on Tractor Talk.

I just found this other button near the two light switches as well on the right side (from the driver's seat)

Is that the injection pump? I don't have anything on the dash like you said.

The kill knob on the dash should operate a cable that moves a lever on the injection pump. Show me a pic of the injection pump and I'll pointit out to you

Nope. The fuel shutoff is integrated into the throttle linkage as described above.