Ignition Key Switch

[71_Bronco 1,072]

Was thinking about replacing my key switch on my '68 Commando 8 while I have the motor out. When I go to start the tractor, most times I have to jiggle the key a little before it will turn over and start.

 

When looking at the owners manual, and the parts break-down, it lists the ignition assembly as part number 7262. When I look up that part number, it comes up with the key only. I then look up the key only in my manual, and that part number is also listed as 7262. Makes me think the manual had a typo.

 

Does anybody know the proper key switch? The tractor does not have a starter solenoid (at least not per the wiring diagram).

 

Switch looks to me like a 3-position (off, run, start). Does not have a fourth, "accessory" position.

[ebinmaine 70,815]

27 minutes ago, 71_Bronco said:

proper key switch? The tractor does NOT have a starter solenoid

Without having a starter solenoid you need to make sure you get the proper heavy duty switch.

 

Somebody will probably pipe up long before I can do it for you but I can get the numbers later on this evening.

 

Do you have battery points ignition or a magneto type?

 

 

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,256]

You are correct - that is a typo.

Click on the picture.

Garry

[71_Bronco 1,072]

32 minutes ago, gwest_ca said:

You are correct - that is a typo.

Click on the picture.

Garry

 

Thanks so much for that!

 

40 minutes ago, ebinmaine said:

Without having a starter solenoid you need to make sure you get the proper heavy duty switch.

 

Somebody will probably pipe up long before I can do it for you but I can get the numbers later on this evening.

 

Do you have battery points ignition or a magneto type?

 

 

 

I believe the tractor is battery / points, as it uses a starter-generator, not a plain starter.

 

I looked up the part number 7263 on parts-tree, ouch, $71 + shipping.

 

For haha's, I looked on ebay, and someone has a NOS Cole Hersee switch listed under that part number. The Cole Hersee number is 95521-B-BX. This switch is about half the cost of the Toro brand one at $38 shipped.

 

Does anybody know if this is an okay switch to use? Or would I be better off with a genuine Toro?

 

Thanks!

[ebinmaine 70,815]

5 minutes ago, 71_Bronco said:

okay switch

That's the number I was going to give you bud!

 

I don't advise anybody to use the cheap imported switches that don't even have a name but if you can get a good reliable aftermarket name brand like Standard, BWD, Cole Hersee, something like that. Absolutely. Use it.

 

I have a couple of those very switches in use on our tractors.

 

I don't know what you have available for local old school parts stores but you may want to check with them. I don't think I paid quite that much. Not that that's a terrible price. Retails like $45. To $55.

 

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,256]

Toro has never made switches. They acquired them the same way you are.

If you realy want to make it last add a solenoid to the start circuit. They are just a heavy duty relay.

 

Garry

[71_Bronco 1,072]

35 minutes ago, gwest_ca said:

Toro has never made switches. They acquired them the same way you are.

If you realy want to make it last add a solenoid to the start circuit. They are just a heavy duty relay.

 

Garry

 

I have a starter solenoid in my tool-box. I picked it up from I save tractors when I was ordering some other stuff. While I have it apart, may throw it on. Have to figure out the wiring though, but that shouldn't be too difficult.

[71_Bronco 1,072]

Okay, was looking at my tractor tonight when I got home. Behind my dash is a mess of spaghetti wires.

 

The stock wiring is pretty simple for the Commando 8. Diagram shown below.

 

Someone, at some point, added 2 switches to the dash (in addition to the cigar lighter).

 

The generator lamp looks like its wired to something, but has never turned on before (not sure if it's supposed to or not). I will have to trace the wiring once the motor is out, and see what its connected to.

 

One of the switches on the dash is the typical WH cream colored rocker. This one has no wires connected to it, and obviously does nothing.

 

The other switch is a push-off / pull-on. This operates the headlights and tail-light. This switch gets its power from piggy-backing off the back of the cigar lighter (which is wired properly per the diagram).

 

The issue with this is that the lights and lighter work with the key in the "off" position.

 

I want to keep the lights, and I want to wire the generator lamp correctly (assuming it's not already). Should I keep the switch I have? Or should I go with a different key switch to disable the lights / lighter when the key is off?

 

If I do keep the switch I have, where is the best place to draw power for the lights? Should I connect to the regulator like the cigar lighter?

 

Edited June 10, 2020 by 71_Bronco

[71_Bronco 1,072]

Just checked the tractor again, looks like the generator lamp is connected to the switch, but cant tell if its connected to the proper terminals.

 

Edit: just looked up how the generator lamp works, had to search on here since it's not covered in the manual. The light has never come on, so if its wired properly, that means my electrical system is working properly.

Edited June 10, 2020 by 71_Bronco

[953 nut 58,027]

Here is a drawing I did with a S/G and solenoid that you can use as a guide. I uses a 013 990 ignition switch.

 

[71_Bronco 1,072]

Was doing a little searching online, and found the instruction manual for the "option headlight conversion" for the Commando 8. It has a wiring diagram and step by step instructions.

 

Per the manual, you would attach a jumper from the cigar lighter to the white toggle switch, which would energize the lights. Then from there, a wire would run to the headlights, and one to the tail light.

 

Witing this way would yield the same results I have currently, lights being operational with the key off and removed.

 

Part of me wants to wire like this due to keeping it period correct, but part of me would like a key fail safe so I don't accidentally drain the battery.

 

Thank you @953 nut for the diagram, as it shows how to properly connect the generator lamp after I add the starter solenoid.

[pfrederi 18,346]

Idiot light should come on when you turn on the ignition  off while running and come on again after you turn her off while the engine is coasting down.

[71_Bronco 1,072]

Ordered the Cole Hersee switch, and picked up new bulbs for the generator lamp. Since its wired, and I've never seen it light up, I'm assuming it is a bad bulb.

 

Also picked up a new LED tail-light to go with the LED bulbs I have up front.