Kevin_in_VA
Silver Member
The key switch has worked its way loose on my TC-30 and now just turns in its mounting hole when I turn the key. Anyone else have this problem?
TC-30 Key switch - A little annoyance
- Thread starter Kevin_in_VA
- Start date
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goatman
Silver Member
Not yet but only 5 hours on my machine.. How many on yours??
OP
Kevin_in_VA
Silver Member
59hrs on mine right now. Gonna be a bunch more after this weekend (if'n it don't rain). I can still start it, but I've gotta fiddle with the switch before it catches.
yellowdog99502
Bronze Member
If it is just the switch assembly rotating in the sheet metal, remove the cover plate in the lower dash (4 nuts, 2 bolts) and reach up inside to tighten it.
If the key is rotating within the switch body, get a new switch.
If the key is rotating within the switch body, get a new switch.
DocHeb
Veteran Member
At ~ 20 hours, turning the key on my TC40D caused the whole switch to rotate. I just inserted the key, rotated the switch to the proper vertical alignment (with the tractor off) and tightened the hex nut on the switch. After it was partially snugged down, I removed the key and used a socket to finish the job - no problems since. For some reason the quality control for torquint to specifications during tractor assembly is not what we come to expect, for example, from dealing with our automobiles. I don't know why this is this way, and I also can't tell you if an ignition switch for a TC30 and a TC40 are exactly the same. This is the type of simple repair that you should be planning to do once you own a tractor.
Check for other loose things, like wheel bolts and frame hardware - some do work loose in the initial break-in period and need to be retorqued. This is is not uncommon for any type tractor.
Check for other loose things, like wheel bolts and frame hardware - some do work loose in the initial break-in period and need to be retorqued. This is is not uncommon for any type tractor.
VAChesterfield
Bronze Member
Same problem at 4 hours on my new TC 30. I fixed it the same way as DocHeb. Figured I had an isolated problem, but I guess I'm not alone. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
OP
Kevin_in_VA
Silver Member
Where in Chesterfield are you located? I am near the airport off of Rte 288.
Kevin
Kevin
shu
Bronze Member
yes - it only bothers me every time i start the tractor. it's the only thing i have found not to like about the TC-30, but it is always there in my face. designer should have used a keyed cutout in the sheet metal.
have taken off the lower console cover plate, but found it easier to tighten the key switch from the outside. there is an outer ring which has a pair of dimples. lacking the proper spanner wrench tool to turn the outer ring, i used a nail set and tap hammer to tighten the outer ring.
have taken off the lower console cover plate, but found it easier to tighten the key switch from the outside. there is an outer ring which has a pair of dimples. lacking the proper spanner wrench tool to turn the outer ring, i used a nail set and tap hammer to tighten the outer ring.
OP
Kevin_in_VA
Silver Member
I just took the outer ring off, put a little Loctite on the threads and re-installed the outer ring using a pair of channel locks and a rag to keep from marring the finish
PineRidge
Super Member
I also think that a small dab of RTV silicone between the switch and the firewall will prevent this problem from ever arising again. If the ignition switch ever needs to be removed for replacement down the road the RTV can easily be pulled loose at that time since it remains flexibile after it cures.
