414-8 12 #1 Posted June 8, 2021 I have been looking for a wheel horse for a while to build a stock puller .I found one at a good price this weekend and bought it a 414 -8, the price was right ,it has a safety switch problem but does start with the solenoid jumped ,then won't turn off with key .now that I got it home and played with it I think it may be to nice to strip I am having a hard time trying to decide if I should keep it as a work tractor or make my puller out of it ,it has nice seat nice paint new front tires ,a mower deck, should I strip this nice tractor and beat it or fix wiring failure and cut grass on Sunday mornings .I have spent a few hours tracing wires looking for bad ground or bad switch can't find it .I got a feeling it may be they key switch but wiring is not my cup of tea, 6 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,045 #2 Posted June 8, 2021 Welcome to Red Square. What is the model number of this tractor? I think I can see the ID decal under the left side of the seat. Wiring changed between years prior to 1990. Too nice to hack up. Garry 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
414-8 12 #3 Posted June 8, 2021 tag says 3114k804. 35908. thanks for reply I got that felling also its to nice to build a puller with ,but then again I don't need any more work tractors .....I really like the tractor but would like to get rid of every kill switch on it,someone good with wiring probably knows how to do it ,,,, it would be a great tractor with all the safety stuff gone, Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,045 #4 Posted June 8, 2021 Easy to follow More on this model https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/search/?&q=31-14k804&type=downloads_file&page=2&search_and_or=or&sortby=relevancy Garry 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skwerl58 704 #5 Posted June 8, 2021 I have a 414-8 and love it. I had to replace the switch on mine. I would keep the switches if possible. That is a nice tractor but it's yours to do as you please. I would get the issues sorted out and keep it and by a rough one for pulling 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JCM 9,166 #6 Posted June 8, 2021 That tractor looks real nice from here, don't see a lot of nice ,clean 414-8's around. Just my opinion. 1988 or 89 ? 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
414-8 12 #7 Posted June 8, 2021 wow what a great web site I cant believe I never found this site ,thanks for all that info.,is my tractor suppose to have tail lights or were they a ad on mine had rear reflectors, but there is a wire going to the back I assume is to power the rear lights Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JCM 9,166 #8 Posted June 8, 2021 In 88 and 89 the 414's came with reflectors. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 21,318 #9 Posted June 8, 2021 5 minutes ago, 414-8 said: is my tractor suppose to have tail lights or were they a ad on mine had rear reflectors, but there is a wire going to the back I assume is to power the rear lights Could be the wires to the seat safety switch. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
414-8 12 #10 Posted June 8, 2021 the seat light on the test panel stays on and will not go out ,I see from reading other posts this looks like a common problem I have done all the basics checked fuses, cleaned ground ,made sure all the switches were clicking ,looked for loose or broke wires ,still a no Go, I hate wiring , this one seems particularly complicated, at least to me ,any retired horse mechanics want to trouble shoot it for me ?just like new cars so much stuff and don't know what must of it does , Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
414-8 12 #11 Posted June 8, 2021 no the seat switch has all 3 wires going to it, and all 3 are plugged onto switch Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roadapples 6,983 #12 Posted June 8, 2021 I think reflectors and lights are the same size. Trailer marker lights are the same and cheap... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
biged77 113 #13 Posted June 8, 2021 WELCOME TO REDSQUARE! That's a real nice tractor, I have one just like it and love it. I would keep it as is you won't be sorry. The wiring is simpler than later models and has fewer relays. Bypassing safety switches is not recommended. Folks on this site can walk you through troubleshooting any electrical problem and point you to replacement parts. Looks like you have 3 separate problems with the wiring. 1. If the tractor won't start (with the clutch depressed and the PTO off) there could be a problem with the PTO switch, the clutch switch, the oil level relay or the solenoid (or wiring to any of the above). Start by removing and cleaning all connections to eliminate this as a source of problems. Then check for 12V at the solenoid S terminal (purple wire) and work back using the wiring diagram if no voltage. 2. The purpose of the seat switch is to shut the engine off if you get off the tractor with the PTO on. The seat switch is normally closed and opens when you sit down so the light is saying you are not seated. The plunger may be worn down so it won't actuate when the seat goes down. Try actuating it by hand you should hear it click. The switch may be bad, check with a VOM. 3. The fact it won't shut off could be a bad ignition switch or could be a bad ground from the switch to the battery negative. Try hooking up a jumper from the switch case to battery negative and see if it shuts off when you turn the switch to off. The problem could also be a bad connection from the engine magneto wire to the switch. This wire must be grounded through the switch to shut the engine off. I have had the above problems with my 414-8 and was able to troubleshoot and correct them. It takes awhile to get familiar with the wiring diagrams but it's worth it in the long run. Good luck. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Maxwell-8 4,275 #14 Posted June 8, 2021 414-8's make great pullers. they have the 8 pinion 8 speed. But your's looks to nice to go pulling with. That's a 2000$ Horse here in the condition it looks like in you picture Great score Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tuul Crib 7,336 #15 Posted June 8, 2021 (edited) I have one that l got three years ago and is definitely a strong tractor. I would definitely recommend one of these to anyone.! T😎 Edited June 8, 2021 by The Tuul Crib 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
414-8 12 #16 Posted June 8, 2021 thank you biged77 I will try those things and report back,, and yes I am thinking of adding this one to my working tractors ,It is to nice to cut up.would like to find a cultivator for it . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldlineman 1,481 #17 Posted June 8, 2021 I have a 1989 414-8 great worker too nice to cut up, bulletproof,Work it like it was made to do. Bob 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chip61 658 #18 Posted June 8, 2021 I just got a 414-8 from my neighbor, doesn't look anywhere near as nice as that one. Hope you enjoy it whatever you decide to do. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
414-8 12 #19 Posted June 8, 2021 one more ? what is considered high hours on a Kohler like this ,it has 900 hours on the meter, no smoke no knocks, 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Maxwell-8 4,275 #20 Posted June 8, 2021 (edited) 11 minutes ago, 414-8 said: one more ? what is considered high hours on a Kohler like this ,it has 900 hours on the meter, no smoke no knocks, Have seen a Kohler M12 going 5500 hours. Good maintenance is key. New oil and (filter) every 25 hours.keeping the cooling fins clean. Cast iron Kohlers ! Edited June 8, 2021 by Maxwell-8 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
414-8 12 #21 Posted June 8, 2021 yes darn good power plants ,I have had a few always good, does anyone have a photo of a cultivator hooked up to a wheel horse I want to see how they hook up and what I would need Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,627 #22 Posted June 8, 2021 @414-8, hope you retain what you have , they are getting scarce , on your rear lights , walmart has an exact bolt on size shape led light for $ 6 , have them on all three of mine , very good low light protection near a road . also added a ground cable from the side of battery ground rail , to the corner of my engine block , 1st and last pictures , also note the added washers 1st picture , to tighten up and smooth out pto lever , battery tender plug in cable , last picture . the ground cable enhances all electrical areas , pete Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
biged77 113 #23 Posted June 8, 2021 At 900 hours you may be ready for a valve adjustment. I did one at about 1000 hours and the engine seemed to quieten down. There's a service manual for this engine in the Manuals section which is a big help. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WheelhorseBob 1,549 #24 Posted June 8, 2021 Very nice tractor. Personally I would never cut that up. FB market place and Craigslist around here are full of tractors that are prime candidates for pulling. JMHO, but as said Wheel Horses in good shape are getting more scarce. 900Hrs is nothing if maintained and that tractor appears to have been owned by someone who cared for it. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
414-8 12 #25 Posted June 8, 2021 yes I am not going to build this for pulling it is to nice, going out now to fight the wiring gremlins,will see what I can find today,,,, Share this post Link to post Share on other sites