John A 20 #1 Posted October 6, 2020 The ignition switch on my Wheel Horse, 308-8 (Serial # 2108K801L5950) will not consistently shut off the engine. It has gotten worse to where jiggling the switch will not stop the engine. So, I now need to pull the plug wire to stop. A few months ago when the problem first began, I ordered a replacement switch. So, yesterday I tried to correct the problem by replacing the switch which I presume is the original. Well, it turns out the original switch has 6 male e connection spades while the replacement switch (Stens No, 430-512) has only five. That leaves a single black wire without a connection. (5 wires are within a black plug) I guess this should be no surprise that the replacement switch doesn't work. I contacted the part supplier and have been advised I did order the correct switch. On the parts description for the switches listed are two switches with 6 connectors: Stens 430-663 Replacement for Toro 103991 and Stens 430-950 Replacement for Toro 83-0020. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks John Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,176 #2 Posted October 6, 2020 Click on the picture and a page will come up showing the switch and wiring. 103991 original switch is Stens 430-662 at https://www.rcpw.com/search/?quest=103991 Garry Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 56,739 #3 Posted October 6, 2020 2 hours ago, John A said: will not consistently shut off the engine. It has gotten worse to where jiggling the switch will not stop the engine. So, I now need to pull the plug wire to stop. The black wire on the ignition switch is a ground that is necessary to ground out the magneto to cause your engine to shut off with the key. If you run a seperate ground wire from the tractor frame or engine block to the ignition switch and ground it to the dash plate (oruse a ring crimp terminal the size of the ignition switch) that should get things working right 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,176 #4 Posted October 7, 2020 The 430-512 Stens switch replaces Wheel Horse 103990 and is for battery ignition. Wrong switch for your application. Garry 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John A 20 #5 Posted October 7, 2020 Gary: Thanks for the help. I appreciate having a place to find help when needed. I haven't been a member long, but in the short time, have received help several times. Take Care, John A 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John A 20 #6 Posted October 7, 2020 Sorry for not including 953 Nut in my earlier reply. Until I order and received the correct switch, I may recheck the actual grounding where the switch body is attached to the frame. It is possible the grounding is poor and when I have jiggled the switch it has allowed me to turn off the engine. I did clean all the terminals with a cleaner to no avail, including the wires connections coming from the engine itself. RCPW is offering two alternatives brands to the TORO switch. I think for a few extra bucks, sticking with the OEM is a better idea. Thanks Again Guys John A 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,970 #7 Posted October 8, 2020 JOHN A , THE IGNITION SWITCH GROUNDING IS VITAL , for operation, it would be easy to add on another ground to the battery ground area , near the side of the battery . I added a 6ga battery cable , from my corner engine bolt to the battery ground in the dash ground area. it worked out so well, i added that to all 3 of my horses, no more , electrical issues, pete Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steelman 251 #8 Posted October 8, 2020 Got a pic of your setup Pete? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,970 #9 Posted October 9, 2020 problem getting the pictures on , working on it , pete Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,970 #10 Posted October 10, 2020 steelman , this is the only reference picture i have on related , ground cable , from engine block corner to cowl grounding area, its the heavy cable running parallel to the frame , then up to the battery ground area, a worthwhile addition , pete 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,970 #12 Posted October 10, 2020 steelman , finally got thru , almost not worth whatever is preventing me on pictures, anyway, pictures showing ground cable start at corner of engine block to frame , going to ground rail along side of battery , insuring a solid go to ground point. the ground rail is also along side of pto lever starting point. , note the added washers at the corner of battery area , that is all the sloppy play in the pto lever , you can add those if you want to , for smoother pto lever action, in the same picture note the 2 bolt flange bearing on the steering column , to take the play out of your column area . first picture show's the battery tender plug in , attached to the choke cable for easy and simple battery plug in . i have this set up on my 3 horses , because it works , as I have eliminated problems I duplicate to the others , now if I can simplify and correct my picture sending ability , that would be the grand prize, pete 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John A 20 #13 Posted October 12, 2020 Guys, Thanks for the information and pictures. I ordered and received a new TORO Switch as suggested. Last night I installed the new OEM to solve the problem. The OEM switch has the grounding terminal for grounding black wire to kill the engine. I appreciated the help. John A Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
