Theoretical Ignition Switch

[23 Reo 229]

Theoretically could a Wheel Horse operate correctly if the S prong is connected to the solenoid and the other four wires are connected at random on the remaining prongs                                            on a five prong ignition switch? This assumes  that the five wires are not in a connector and they are independent.

 

 

 

[ebinmaine 67,620]

I'm going with no. 

 

There's no "random" to an ignition switch. 

Certain terminals are tied at certain key positions. 

 

What prompted your question?

 

 

[Handy Don 12,237]

45 minutes ago, 23 Reo said:

Theoretically could a Wheel Horse operate correctly if the S prong is connected to the solenoid and the other four wires are connected at random on the remaining prongs                                            on a five prong ignition switch? This assumes  that the five wires are not in a connector and they are independent.

 

 

 

There are other combinations that might let the machine operate, but it would exhibit inconsistent behavior and may not work well. For example, were the accessory connecter and ignition connector switched, it would appear unwilling to start until the key went back to run while the engine was still cranking.

[23 Reo 229]

I am trying to fix a wiring problem on my newly acquired 1983 C-125 Black Hood. The wire connector attached to the ignition switch was in bad shape so I removed it and put a connector on each wire carefully numbering the wires. I tried to crank over and it was dead. There was no power to  the solenoid from the S prong. I then switched out the ignition switch with one from my running 1984 C-165 Black Hood but nothing. I hot wired the starter with my jumper box and it spun the engine. I then hot wired the starter and the positive terminal on the coil but no spark even though it has new points. I then checked each wires location using a diagram and my C-165 as reference. Every wire was correct but I did find something strange. On both tractors the A prong and the R prong are reversed. The A prong is connected to the rectifier and the R prong is connected to the 15 amp fuse and then on to the light switch.

         It is this that is the basis of my question. When the key is in the run position are the A,R,I and B circuits closed? The only time that the S circuit is closed is when the key is turned all the way and the solenoid is energized to start the tractor.

        Could a few folks with Black Hoods check their A and R circuits. The easiest way to this is to go from the R prong. See if it goes to the 15 amp fuse and then to the headlight switch. I am very curious to see if they all came this way.

[Handy Don 12,237]

The difference between Run and Start is usually that A is connected in Run but not in Start while S is connected in Start but not in Run. B and I are usually connected in both key positions.

 

When the key is in the run position are the A,R,I and B circuits closed?  Yes if by closed you mean that they are all connected to each other.

 

Is the switch itself the problem?

 

Might be a good idea to get the wiring diagram for your tractor rather than guess.

Edited April 24, 2021 by Handy Don

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,046]

You are correct that the Rectifier and Accessory wires are reversed and I do not know the reason for it. Not only that but the ignition switch Battery terminal does not get it's power from the battery - it comes from the pto switch when the pto is OFF. The rectifier wire gets to the Accessory terminal via the seat switch. Took me a while to figure out what they did.

Click on the picture in the link. On the page that comes up there are 2 wiring diagrams - one for single cylinder models and one for twins.

Garry

[23 Reo 229]

Thank you. I am just learning. I'm using a wiring diagram along with two 1984 C-165s for reference.  As you mentioned the safety switches on the PTO and seat make it difficult to trace the wires. My 1981 C-125 Automatic was wired differently as the headlights would only come on when the ignition was turned to run. I sold it a couple of years ago. Thank you again as I've found my problem. The amp meter failed so power wasn't getting to the ignition switch from the battery.