MF165 Electric

Not that I'm cynical, but it seems that most of the new generation are expert at replacing components, and have very little common sense or diagnostic/trouble-shooting skills. I guess if you think about it, this makes them more profitable employees for the service agency in the short term.

You will be fortunate if you have one of the old guys (or one of the rare young lads who can think) near you - not necessarily experienced in the tractor field - who can help you out and follow a wiring diagram for the finer points.

The I&T shop manual for the 135-150-165 has the wiring diagrams. Very basic - I'm sure you could handle it with a bit of coaching, a good supply of 16 gauge wire, some 12 gauge, and crimp-on terminals.

Why not get the manual (top left, under "Marketplace"), then give it a shot - and holler here for help when you get stuck!

Sorry about the soap box lecture, gentlemen and ladies, but sometimes, it gets to me. The unfortunate experience with this 165 wiring on the overhaul confirms the idiot theory, and set me off!

This is one of the reasons I find this site so refreshing - most everyone here has a lot of common sense, and asks reasonable questions.

Suggest starting at the battery, or hot starter post and working toward the ammeter/start switch/lights.

Disconnect the battery, install one wire at a time, touch the battery post connector to the battery terminal after each wire to test for shorts.

The arc or spark will tell you if you've fouled up! And if the ammeter shows charge when you turn on the lights, reverse the connections on it.

Good luck, holler if you need more info.

And when you've finished, and it works, take the savings and invest in some nice refreshments (like Newfie Screech) to celebrate your success!