ignition switch, any reason I can't use this on my 1710

[Cjm005]

I'm not paying $145 for an ignition switch... that's 1/20th of what I paid for the whole tractor. Any reason I can't use this switch? Functionally, it appears to be exactly the same with perhaps screw on terminals instead of spade connectors. It's a 5 position switch. Perhaps the dash hole is slightly different, but I can certainly work around that.

Ford Tractor Ignition Switch 530 531 532 535 540 545 550 555 5500 5550 Backhoe | eBay

Edit... it's a 1715 not 1710

 

[Harry in Ky]

Aside from physical differences(size hole it fits into, spade vs ring terminals, etc) which can be dealt with easily enough, the major question I would have is whether or not there is an "ignition" circuit that's live during cranking? I believe the 1715 has electric control for the injection pump, yes/no? If so, this needs to be supplied with 12v while cranking(as well as in the "on" position) Many replacement switches for diesel tractors do not have this circuit. They work fine on tractors with manual fuel shut off because the feature is not needed. In which case you may have to add in your own temporary 12v supply to the pump by whatever means you choose. I've had to do this on occasion.

 

[Cjm005]

Thanks for the input. I have not seen the wiring schem for the 1715, but based on the 1720 I don't see anything to indicate there is an electrical circuit for the injection pump. However, I do see a circuit for the fuel shut-off solenoid, which I assume is to turn off the tractor using the switch? I'll have to verify when I get the service manual or perhaps some other 1715 owners can chime in.

 

[RickB]

Another important issue is whether the switch will handle the current draw from the glow plugs.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Arn't almost all glow plugs switched by a relay for this very reason? Wouldn't the normal "ignition" position suffice for fuel pump (relay) and fuel solenoid?

My guess is, you would have no problem.

 

[Cjm005]

Received my service manual today, have attached a copy of the wiring diagram. I don't see anything to indicate there is electric control for the ignition but I could be missing. There is certainly a slew of safety switches including neutral and PTO safety switch.

 

[Industrial Toys]

What a beautiful simple wiring diagram. Although I have no idea where those bk/w wires attach to in the glow plug circuit. The two spade connector thingie.

But it looks like you have no glow plug relay and hence, I am guessing that the full current of the glow plugs go through the ignition switch.

It also looks like you don't have a fuel shut off relay or electric fuel pump.

I don't like to butcher things from oem, but I would put in a relay or just a HD switch to run the glow plugs rather then that expensive switch. Just don't forget inline fuses!

EDIT, Just kind of noticed out of the corner of my eye (printed the pdf) that that thingie is a "glow plug indicator". What is that, just a light? Makes no sense to me as it is in series with the glow plugs.

 

[CDennyRun]

The glow plug indicator is just a light (if it's like mine built in 1994). The fuel on/off is a mechanical push/pull knob. I believe we're talking about the same thing, or maybe I'm not clicking on something.

It looks to me like that ignition switch can work for you.

Chris

 

[Industrial Toys]

A friends old Bolens had a heating element on the dash as an indicator. That would make sense according to the drawing, not a light bulb. But there is a good chance that a generic ignition switch might fail if switching glow plug currents.

 

[CDennyRun]

A friends old Bolens had a heating element on the dash as an indicator. That would make sense according to the drawing, not a light bulb. But there is a good chance that a generic ignition switch might fail if switching glow plug currents.

Actually, you nailed it. I have three lights that don't work, and I assumed it was one of those (they are hard to make out). The 1715 does have the element in the dash that heats up and glows red while pre-heating the plugs. Thanks for that.

Chris