Ignition switch for magneto

[cdahl383]

My Cub has an ignition switch with two terminals which I’ve been told is for a distributor/coil ignition. I found a one terminal switch on eBay for magneto ignitions. My Cub is a 1949 with magneto ignition. Does this one look like it would work?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/305312739443?c ... JlBf7b-iy4

Which wire goes to the terminal and where would the remaining wire go then? Does that go to a ground?

I’m not too good with wiring/electrical stuff. I’d like to replace the old switch, just want to make sure I understand how the new one would work.

 

[Cecil]

If there are 2 wires on the switch then one goes to the mag and one would go to ground. If there is only one on the switch then that would go to the mag one ground would be obtained thru the switch casing.

 

[cdahl383]

If there are 2 wires on the switch then one goes to the mag and one would go to ground. If there is only one on the switch then that would go to the mag one ground would be obtained thru the switch casing.

Right now there are two wires to the switch. But to start the tractor you have to push it in. To shut it off, you have to pull the switch out. It’s the opposite of how it should be. It works fine, I’d just like to run it the correct way.

 

[Barnyard]

Carl, when using any two wire switch, you will always have to push in to start. You aren't hurting anything with what you have.

 

[staninlowerAL]

Forum sponsor TM Tractor Parts has the OEM switch for a magneto ignition listed. http://www.tmtractor.com/new/el/605fp.htm :hattip: Stan

 

[cdahl383]

Carl, when using any two wire switch, you will always have to push in to start. You aren't hurting anything with what you have.

I see. Well the issue is when I was plowing the other day, the knob on the switch must have rattled off the threads and fell off somewhere. Now I just have a little nub to pull in and out. It still works, but I'd like to replace it. I figured if I was replacing it, maybe I'd get the correct one.

But like you said, it really doesn't matter I guess. As long as it shuts off the engine it really doesn't make a difference.

Maybe I'll find the knob out on the lawn once the snow piles all melt haha!

 

[cdahl383]

Forum sponsor TM Tractor Parts has the OEM switch for a magneto ignition listed. http://www.tmtractor.com/new/el/605fp.htm :hattip: Stan

Cool, that looks like it would work.

I would just need to hook up the wire coming from the magneto to that and the ground would just be being mounted on the metal surface of the tractor then? The other wire I could just tie off somewhere?

 

[indy61]

New replacement knobs are available.

http://www.tmtractor.com/new/el/435fp.htm

 

[cdahl383]

New replacement knobs are available.

http://www.tmtractor.com/new/el/435fp.htm

My switch looks nothing like that, but maybe they are the same size. That would be the cheaper option. I'll be sure to add some blue loctite on the knob if I end up using the old switch.

 

[Barnyard]

Carl, let's look it over at the Bash before you invest too much in it.

 

[Eugene]

If you don't care what the switch looks like, 2 wire toggle switch from auto parts or hardware store for under $5-.

 

[staninlowerAL]

...My switch looks nothing like that, but maybe they are the same size. That would be the cheaper option. I'll be sure to add some blue loctite on the knob if I end up using the old switch.

Can you post a close up picture of the dash? It's fairly common for the OEM switch to get replaced by something else to get it to work ("farmer fix"). If you want to see the details go to the manuals section and download the parts manual. It will have a complete breakdown for all model years and the correct part number for the different model years by SN. Then you won't have to guess what is correct. JMHO. :hattip: Stan

 

[Glen]

Hi,
The switch you posted the link to at ebay is the original style ignition switch the Cubs came with in 1949.
Below are pics from TM Tractor Parts of an original style magneto ignition switch.
http://www.tmtractor.com/tm-tractor/gel ... ng_001.htm

Nowadays Case IH sells a different style of switch, TM Tractor sells them, Stan posted a link to it above.

I would just need to hook up the wire coming from the magneto to that and the ground would just be being mounted on the metal surface of the tractor then? The other wire I could just tie off somewhere?

Yes, Cubs with magnetos originally had 1 wire going from the side of the magneto to the ignition switch.
The magneto makes it's own power, it isn't connected to battery power, if it is using the original style coil on top of it, under the cover.
The switch grounds the magneto to stop the engine. The ground goes from the switch through the dash, and housings of the tractor.
You wouldn't need whatever other wire is there for the 2 post switch.
You can decide which switch you want.

 

[cdahl383]

Carl, let's look it over at the Bash before you invest too much in it.

Ok sounds good!

 

[cdahl383]

...My switch looks nothing like that, but maybe they are the same size. That would be the cheaper option. I'll be sure to add some blue loctite on the knob if I end up using the old switch.

Can you post a close up picture of the dash? It's fairly common for the OEM switch to get replaced by something else to get it to work ("farmer fix"). If you want to see the details go to the manuals section and download the parts manual. It will have a complete breakdown for all model years and the correct part number for the different model years by SN. Then you won't have to guess what is correct. JMHO. :hattip: Stan

I’ll take some pics tomorrow and post them up.

 

[cdahl383]

Hi,
The switch you posted the link to at ebay is the original style ignition switch the Cubs came with in 1949.
Below are pics from TM Tractor Parts of an original style magneto ignition switch.
http://www.tmtractor.com/tm-tractor/gel ... ng_001.htm

Nowadays Case IH sells a different style of switch, TM Tractor sells them, Stan posted a link to it above.

I would just need to hook up the wire coming from the magneto to that and the ground would just be being mounted on the metal surface of the tractor then? The other wire I could just tie off somewhere?

Yes, Cubs with magnetos originally had 1 wire going from the side of the magneto to the ignition switch.
The magneto makes it's own power, it isn't connected to battery power, if it is using the original style coil on top of it, under the cover.
The switch grounds the magneto to stop the engine. The ground goes from the switch through the dash, and housings of the tractor.
You wouldn't need whatever other wire is there for the 2 post switch.
You can decide which switch you want.

I see. I’ll have to look at some different switches. I might just wait until the barnyard bash in may. I have a couple other things that need addressing as well.

 

[cdahl383]

Found the ignition switch knob in a melted snow pile by the driveway! I figured it might show up.

I grabbed a washer and fit that around the switch post so it’s more secure against the tractor and then put a little loctite on the securing nut and the knob itself. Everything seems really tight now. Hopefully it won’t vibrate loose again. Guess I’ll just keep this switch for now since it works fine.