1800 ignition switch

chas036 · Jan 19, 2019

I have a 1800A gas that has a push button next to the keyed ignition switch that has to be pushed to start the tractor. In the user's manual it doesn't show this push button. Was this an option, or did someone install it after the fact?

Also, when the tractor is running, the red light never goes off. From reading the user's manual, a red light indicates a no charge condition, but when I put a volt meter on the battery, I am seeing 13.9 volts, so it looks like it is charging good. Why does this red light stay on?

rrlund · Jan 19, 2019

Sounds like somebody added the button. The diesels had a pre heater button there. It's the right side light that stays on then and not the left? Left is the oil light. All I can say is,on my 1600 in this cold weather,the key switch doesn't always return to the position where it should be after I start it and the gen light stays on until I turn it back to where it should be.

oliverkid · Jan 19, 2019

If you check it at the battery and it?s a good one at that, you are going to get 12 to 13 volts regardless of whether it?s charging or not because it?s a 12 volt battery. You have to check output at the generator. I forget which two poles you check across right off hand without pulling out the book but somebody on here will know. The voltage regulator could be shot to. The same goes for if it?s been converted to an alternator.

J. Schwiebert · Jan 19, 2019

Someone added the switch. What is the voltage with the tractor running?

rvirgil_KS · Jan 19, 2019

" You have to check output at the generator." Not necessarily so. You should have a low resistance path from the BAT terminal on generator regulator all the way to the battery, thus the voltage should show very little variation anywhere along that line.

Check battery voltage before starting, then start engine. With rpm high enough to close cut out contacts in the regulator you should see a minimum 10% voltage increase anywhere from regulator BAT terminal to battery.

Alternator should show voltage increase at any operating rpm

bison · Jan 20, 2019

My 1800 A diesel has a start button and a heat button + it has a amp meter and oil press gauge but no lights.
It appears to be factory.

chas036 · Jan 20, 2019

(quoted from post at 22:39:27 01/19/19) Someone added the switch. What is the voltage with the tractor running?

When I checked the voltage after it is started , it is about 13.5 to 13.9 . Also it has an alternator and not a generator.

J. Schwiebert · Jan 20, 2019

Where did you check the voltage when it is running? What alternator is on the tractor? Is it a single wire unit?

chas036 · Jan 20, 2019

(quoted from post at 22:03:27 01/20/19) Where did you check the voltage when it is running? What alternator is on the tractor? Is it a single wire unit?

I checked the voltage at the battery terminals. It is a single wire alternator.

J. Schwiebert · Jan 20, 2019

Check the voltage at the alternator. Was the engine running fast enough to excite the alternator?

rrlund · Jan 21, 2019

Isn't there some special way that you have to wire them to the light to make the light work with a single wire alternator?

rvirgil_KS · Jan 21, 2019

Assuming a common Delco internal regulator alternator.

Some "one wire" Delco's can use the "idiot light" to excite them and some can not. Remove the cover plug over the 2 edge pins. If there is a shorting bridge between the 2 pins the light will likely not work. If there is no shorting bridge try connecting light to #1 excite pin. If it works with the light you now have the advantages of a 3 wire alternator.

1800 ignition switch

chas036

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rrlund

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oliverkid

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J. Schwiebert

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rvirgil_KS

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bison

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chas036

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J. Schwiebert

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chas036

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J. Schwiebert

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rrlund

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rvirgil_KS

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