Pnptractr 35 #1 Posted January 2, 2020 Is it unusual to have an electric start that does not use a starter solenoid? This 1971 Workhorse has the Tecumseh HHM80 that has starter motor without solenoid...heavy wires run from battery to dash key switch and also heavy gage from switch to starter motor...seems odd...all diagrams I find show a solenoid ....thinking this may overload/burn the key switch but it does crank and runs like this ? Any Advise would be most appreciated Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Howie 882 #2 Posted January 2, 2020 Wheel horse wired some of them like this. If it has the correct switch the lugs where that heavier wire from the starter will be considerably bigger. Switch is made to handle that load. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pnptractr 35 #3 Posted January 2, 2020 Thanks....I was hoping that was the case....very good of you to respond....hope I can return the favor.. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 46,678 #4 Posted January 2, 2020 That would be correct, commonly known as a 70 amp switch. Still available let us know you need one we'll hook you up. Most of my sixties vintages have them but I did convert a couple to use a solenoid then use a standard five terminal switch. BTW 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 10,478 #5 Posted January 2, 2020 If the switch still works and you want to extend it's life add a solenoid. Your tractor is an 18W in the 1971 parts list. Click on the fuzzy pictures. Garry Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 51,471 #6 Posted January 2, 2020 The key switch without a solenoid was until the early '70s. In my opinion it is much safer to mount a solenoid on the engine and have a smaller wire that is protected by a fuse go to the ignition switch. The idea of an unprotected high amperage capability wire running behind the gas tank is a bit strange to me. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tuul Crib 7,332 #8 Posted January 2, 2020 46 minutes ago, 953 nut said: The key switch without a solenoid was until the early '70s. In my opinion it is much safer to mount a solenoid on the engine and have a smaller wire that is protected by a fuse go to the ignition switch. The idea of an unprotected high amperage capability wire running behind the gas tank is a bit strange to me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 17,116 #10 Posted January 2, 2020 1 hour ago, 953 nut said: The key switch without a solenoid was until the early '70s. In my opinion it is much safer to mount a solenoid on the engine and have a smaller wire that is protected by a fuse go to the ignition switch. The idea of an unprotected high amperage capability wire running behind the gas tank is a bit strange to me. No guts no Glory..... 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pnptractr 35 #11 Posted January 2, 2020 1 minute ago, pfrederi said: No guts no Glory..... “All glory is fleeting” 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pnptractr 35 #12 Posted January 2, 2020 Just now, Pnptractr said: “All glory is fleeting” And thank you for the info...I agree with your cautionary thoughts on the proximity of fuel tank. Probably need some form of fire suppression nearby just in case. Engineers and Designers make a lot of decisions but the ones made by their attorneys these days seems to take top priority......ha ha....BTW...you guys have a great forum here...Will try to contribute. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pnptractr 35 #13 Posted January 2, 2020 New to this...testing Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 46,678 #14 Posted January 2, 2020 2 hours ago, 953 nut said: The key switch without a solenoid was until the early '70s. In my opinion it is much safer to mount a solenoid on the engine and have a smaller wire that is protected by a fuse go to the ignition switch. The idea of an unprotected high amperage capability wire running behind the gas tank is a bit strange to me. Now where is that 'moji for chicken?!?!? Interesting tho Richard I thought they did away with them in the late '60's. A pic of one of my solenoid conversions on a SG motor. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SPINJIM 1,978 #15 Posted January 2, 2020 (edited) Some of the metal gas tanks had a layer of rubber insulation glued to the back to insulate from the switch terminals, just in case. Others just had a piece of clear plastic looped around the switch to prevent contact with the gas tank, but those pieces of plastic didn't hold up. If you stay with the 70 amp switch, I'd recommend some kind of layer of insulation on the back of the gas tank. A fire can ruin a nice day of seat time. Jim Edited January 3, 2020 by SPINJIM 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
305 379 #16 Posted January 2, 2020 as already said , if you want the switch to last add a solenoid. both my `68 Lawn Ranger and my `68 Commando i added solenoids. cheap and easy to do 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pnptractr 35 #17 Posted January 2, 2020 Fuel tank is plastic poly something non conducting but will consider converting. Like the idea of fused lead to solenoid.... Thanks all for responses....and solenoid just sounds way cooler than “switch” .... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pnptractr 35 #18 Posted January 2, 2020 7 hours ago, The Tool Crib said: to Here it is! 2 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Tuul Crib 7,332 #19 Posted January 2, 2020 Just now, Pnptractr said: Nice!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tractorhead 8,570 #20 Posted January 3, 2020 (edited) Welcome to nice Rig Edited January 3, 2020 by Tractorhead Upps Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
