Headlight Help!

[TonyToro Jr. 1,415]

So on my 310-8 the headlights only go on for about 5 seconds then shut off that cannot be turned back on again. I checked fuses and grounds all seem to be tight but still can’t find the issue of why they go on then turn back off. The power wire hookup to the headlight bulb are a little corroded but I didn’t think that would be the issue. Could I maybe be the bulb? Grounded out wire? Switch? It’s just weird that they go on fine then shut off and never go back on. 

[pfrederi 17,729]

What is model number of your tractor. Many 310-8 had the head lights run off the stator ( only worked with engine running). some may have had more traditional lights run off the battery...or after many years who knows what was changed out...

[TonyToro Jr. 1,415]

9 minutes ago, pfrederi said:

What is model number of your tractor. Many 310-8 had the head lights run off the stator ( only worked with engine running). some may have had more traditional lights run off the battery...or after many years who knows what was changed out...

The model number is worn away if I would guess it runs or the stator since when I try to turn the lights off when the tractor isn’t running nothing. It has a older Kohler K-series if that helps.

Edited December 5, 2023 by TonyToro Jr.
Added info

[WHX?? 48,815]

What has to happen to get them on again? Anyway you can post the engine name plate? 

[squonk 41,071]

I would say stator or switch. Unhook the 2 wires at the switch and connect them together.  Start the tractor. If the lights stay on (and I bet they do, you need a switch. Also make sure the hood is grounded well. Add a jumper to ground. 

Edited December 5, 2023 by squonk

[SylvanLakeWH 25,535]

I'd take the ground wire off, clean, dielectric grease, then retighten. Check all connections and wires for wear.

[TonyToro Jr. 1,415]

38 minutes ago, WHX?? said:

What has to happen to get them on again? Anyway you can post the engine name plate? 

To get them on again, shut it off and turn back on then they go back on for about 5sec then shut off. 

[TonyToro Jr. 1,415]

8 minutes ago, squonk said:

I would say stator or switch. Unhook the 2 wires at the switch and connect them together.  Start the tractor. If the lights stay on (and I bet they do, you need a switch. Also make sure the hood is grounded well. Add a jumper to ground. 

Ok I’ll try that.

[TonyToro Jr. 1,415]

So I just took off both wires from the switch and still nothing.

[TonyToro Jr. 1,415]

Now I put both wires back on (Correctly) and now nothing not a split second no nothing.

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,040]

Your tractor is a 1986 model 21-10K802 or model 21-10K803

Engine must be running for lights to work.

 

[squonk 41,071]

11 hours ago, TonyToro Jr. said:

So I just took off both wires from the switch and still nothing.

Did you connect them together and start the engine? How about grounding the hood? I have seen those hoods lose the ground when they are open. 

[TonyToro Jr. 1,415]

14 minutes ago, squonk said:

Did you connect them together and start the engine? How about grounding the hood? I have seen those hoods lose the ground when they are open. 

Yes I connected the 2 wires going to switch together with a jumper wire. But I did have the hood open. Should I try again with the hood closed? I’m also going to check that ground too my dad said to take it off clean,  dielectric grease and put back together? 

[SylvanLakeWH 25,535]

 See post 6.

 

Agree with @squonk about hood tilt. I had that problem. Fixed with solid ground.

[peter lena 8,610]

@ TONY TORO JR , https://www.supplyhouse.com/Blackburn-ADR2-ALCUL-Single-Conductor-One-Hole-Mount-Slotted-Screw-14-AWG-2-Str?   often refer to this type of electrical ground point , have them on every related poor connection point , especially engine / frame area , very good on engine COOLING TIN , rectifier mount point , eliminates issue , also dielectric lube bolt down / screw point , have years on the change , no problem , Pete  

[squonk 41,071]

The hood itself will loose ground contact with the tractor. Just cleaning the ground wire at the headlights may not be enough. Make sure the hood itself is grounded. I add a ground wire just for the hood.

[TonyToro Jr. 1,415]

5 hours ago, squonk said:

I add a ground wire just for the hood.

What do you mean by that? Pictures?

[TonyToro Jr. 1,415]

I’ve figured out the issue it’s somewhere in the wires bulbs are good fuses are good and switch is good. I’ll do what @squonk said. Add a ground where and clean and check all connections and inspect wires.

[WHX?? 48,815]

What Squonky meant is the ground to the headlights are done through the hood hinges which can become greasy and unreliable. More so with led lights.

 Re-ground the hood with a separate ground wire from the hood or lights directly back to the frame. If your not blowing fuses must be a ground issue and not a short. 

Let us know what you find might help me find the gremlin on a 520. 

[SylvanLakeWH 25,535]

 

[Lee1977 6,656]

Looks to me like the power wire is grounding out on the steering column.