1 Wire Alternator

[ajhbike]

No comments on the pink wire please...I ran out of colours.

[staninlowerAL]

Ideas on where to get an economical solenoid and what type? Thank you

I believe Eugene covered the "where" to get parts. A solenoid should be about $12-$15 and a 3 position (OFF/ON/START) will be around $30. You can weigh that against replacing the bolt which as Glen said is typically soldered on to the wiring inside the starter housing. You said the PO never had a starter/solenoid/pull rod as your other tractor does. The starter on your loboy might even be a 12v from a later model CUB. i can't see someone changing the 6v starter to a bolt type connection for no apparent reason. This is not a difficult modification to install the electrical solenoid. It's the typical type connection found on most lawn tractor starter setups and the wiring is the same as 12v cubs with the remote solenoid.

[ajhbike]

Thank you

[staninlowerAL]

I took the plunge to a 12V alternator from DB Electrical on my 56 Loboy since it didn't run with a battery and started by jumping with a 12V. Now searching for a simple 1 wire diagram for the system...plenty of 2 wire diagrams but couldn't find one for 1 wire. I have a 6V coil...no magneto (bought the resistor). Anyone have a diagram?

I reread this topic and noticed in your first post the part I underlined above. What do you mean by "it didn't run with a battery?" Does or did it have a magneto? I'm confused (and that's not too difficult).

[BIGHOSS]

BIGHOSS does not like to beat dead horses (or live horses for that matter), but IMHO you need to tackle the starting issue before wiring for an alternator. The starting method determines how it is wired. As Glen pointed out the battery cables are different for a pull rod start and solenoid start.
Also, you mentioned that the PO never had a battery. He just jumped it with a 12 volt battery. Did it run using this "jumped" 12 volt for ignition or is there a working magneto which does not need a battery to run? Some source has to provide fire.

My suggestion is still:
Decide the start method
Make the chosen start method work with correct battery, starter, battery cables, etc.
When it starts and runs on its own, then move on to installing and wiring the alternator for keeping battery charged.

[ajhbike]

Because the Loboy had no battery and I had a new 12V battery I decided to buy the alternator. I installed it and rewired everything and saved the switch installation to the end...simple- 2 screws, right? Then I found the switch didn't line up. So NOW I have to deal with a start method, of course.

The loboy does not have a magneto and I followed the wiring diagram on the 1st page of this thread.

I suppose the push pull ignition on the dash question is not in play anymore because of having to wire in a solenoid/key switch.....

[ajhbike]

I guess the 6V generator was providing power to fire because he would jump it/start it by touching the starter post and then run with no battery. I know, it was wierd but I got used to it for a month before deciding to go alternator

[Glen]

Hi,
To put in an automotive type key start switch, you probably need to bore out the ignition switch hole in the dash, the universal type switch, like at NAPA, is probably a bigger size.
I'm not sure if every brand is the same size where it goes through the dash, so look and see, if you buy one.
The starter in your pics on page 2 of this post was originally a 6 volt Cub starter, I don't know if they make parts to change a 6 volt Cub starter to 12 volts.
An original 12 volt Cub starter looks different than a Cub 6 volt starter.

[ajhbike]

Yes, I was researching it...hoping to find a finger actuated ignition button that would mount on the starter post and work kind of like the proper switch. Probably have to go the key switch and the solenoid

[staninlowerAL]

I suppose the push pull ignition on the dash question is not in play anymore because of having to wire in a solenoid/key switch.....

The combinations are limited only by your experience/knowledge/pocketbook. Yes, the push-pull ignition switch can be used to send power to the ignition coil/lights, etc. If you use it for that purpose then the solenoid starting circuit will need a switch to energize/activate it separately. This can be done with a push button/toggle/even touching "power supply and solenoid wires together. Best to have a switch that stops current flow when released so the starter will stop turning (like the 3 position switch I referred to above).