When this first happened, it started as a dead battery. I didn't think much of it. Then after jumping it I ran it and had it idling for a while while I was loading, it just all of the sudden died as if someone cut the switch off on it. That was something it has never done before. I restarted it by the ignition switch and it ran fine and didn't do it again. When I went to park it, I turned the switch off and it would kill the engine. (Gas Tractor)..... With everything still hooked up except for the Positive side of the batter, I tested the switch and it showed continuity of all posts which lead me to believe it was bad. I replaced the switch, which didn't do any good, or at least didn't solve the problem. The battery showed 10.45 v cold so I went down and got a new battery and it now has good fire Well after getting the new switch, wiring it like the old one with out luck, I replaced the battery (it had a truck battery in it and I replaced with 12v D/C tractor battery. When I turned the ignition switch to the "On" position, the starter engaged. I rechecked the wiring and it basically the same as the old switch. (OEM Lucas Ignition Switch to a Replacement Switch from Tractor Supply). I have the wire from the the transmission/nuetral switch on the starter terminal of the ignition Switch as I think it should be and as it tested out on the old switch, however when I check it with a V/Ohm meter for contuinity I get the following (I have the positive lead on the battery disconnected): Switch off: no contuinity between ignition posts.
switch-ON: I get continuity between the battery terminal, ignition terminal and starter terminal! When I take the switch out of line and all wires off of it I get the proper continuity as it I think it should be, Off - Nothing, On - Continuity between bat terminal and ign terminal. I was sort of surprised when I turned the ignition switch on and the starter engaged. I don't want to continue replacing part after part after part. I assume (have to say that!) either I have a seloniod or voltage regulator problem, or, and I really hate to say this, but a possible wiring short. I am OK with taking voltage readings and continuity readying on a volt/Ohm meter, however to use the OHM side I have not a clue. Hopefully it will be a replacement part and not a wiring issue. Hard to believe it as a wiring problem as it happened all of the sudden and there were no tell-tale signs. If the selonoid went out, could that cause this to occur? If the voltage regulator (Lucas)went out could that cause this?
Waiting for all the Help you can provide!!!!
Thanks
Bill
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