In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

Need some help. Sis-in-law's old Simplicity lawn tractor

Discussion in 'The DIY Room' started by papadave, Aug 22, 2015.

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  1. papadave

    papadave

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    So, the key switch broke....as in, can't get the key in the switch.
    Got the switch out, but now she's unsure if some of the ones she's found online will work.
    It's a 3 position (on, off, start), 5 terminal with a 5/8" mount.
    Will any switch with those features work?
     
    papadave, Aug 22, 2015
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  2. Jack Straw

    Jack Straw

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    Id take it to NAPA and see if they can match it.
     
    Jack Straw, Aug 22, 2015
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  3. papadave

    papadave

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    I think she plans to take it to the big city tomorrow to do that.
    We'll see what she comes up with.
    I'd really like to be able to use her tractor in the woods instead of hauling mine over there.:thumbs:
     
    papadave, Aug 22, 2015
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  4. Greenstick

    Greenstick

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    Take the motor out. Put in a 350 and use the switch from the old pickup u took the 350 out of.:loco: :crazy:
     
    Greenstick, Aug 22, 2015
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  5. papadave

    papadave

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    Yeah, but then I'd have to change my name........to Tim Allen. :dex:
     
    papadave, Aug 22, 2015
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  6. HDRock

    HDRock

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    :popcorn::coffee:
     
    HDRock, Aug 22, 2015
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  7. chris

    chris

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    You have a problem with that?
     
    chris, Aug 23, 2015
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  8. papadave

    papadave

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    Big fan of Tim the Toolman Taylor for a long time.
     
    papadave, Aug 23, 2015
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  9. jetjr

    jetjr

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    So should we call you Tim or Mr Allen?
     
    jetjr, Aug 23, 2015
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  10. papadave

    papadave

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    I'm pretty informal, so you can just call me Tim. :D
    Just don't call me late for dinner.:thumbs:
     
    papadave, Aug 23, 2015
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  11. rookie1

    rookie1

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    I have an aftermarket mower parts catalogue and they show pictures of terminals on the back. I'm sure a lot interchange. You could also Google the part number and look at images to see if it looks the same.
     
    rookie1, Aug 23, 2015
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  12. chris

    chris

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    Careful getting manuals out treads awful close to losing the man card.:D
     
    chris, Aug 23, 2015
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  13. papadave

    papadave

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    I have a parts manual on the laptop which gave me the part number, but when Googled, it doesn't show up. Lots of other ones show up that look pretty much identical though.
    That's why I thought maybe if the number of terminals and functions are the same, one of those might work.
    No fear of losing my man card...........:dex:
     
    papadave, Aug 24, 2015
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  14. HDRock

    HDRock

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    HDRock, Aug 24, 2015
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  15. rookie1

    rookie1

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    In that case I'd say they are probably the same. Plus it's an set machine and they we're oto ably more standardized back then.
     
    rookie1, Aug 24, 2015
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  16. papadave

    papadave

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    I think the tractor is from the 80's, maybe earlier. What a pain getting the "dash" apart to remove the switch.
     
    papadave, Aug 24, 2015
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  17. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    Be very careful here as you need to know if the tractor has breaker point ignition or an electronic ignition. Using the wrong switch will either just plain not work, or instantly fry your ignition.

    On the back of the switch, each terminal is labeled with a single letter, usually on the terminal itself. You may have to clean off a bit of rust to actually read the letters.

    B=Battery
    M=Magneto
    A=Accessory
    S=Start
    G=Ground
    L=Lights (not always present)

    Your best bet is to take it to a competent small engine shop where they should be able to match it. It's more than likely an Indak switch which are like fleas on a dogs back in the small engine biz.
     
    MasterMech, Aug 24, 2015
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  18. papadave

    papadave

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    Noticed most of the ones I found are Indak, but the only marking on this one is a patent #.
    Found the markings on the terminals. 2 of them have an S, then M, B, and G. Had to bend them to see.
    This is the layout. Best I could do.
    Part # is 1674244 from the manual.

    -S
    -M -B
    -S -G
     
    papadave, Aug 24, 2015
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  19. bassJAM

    bassJAM

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    I've had luck in the past pushing a small flathead screwdriver into the ignition switch and forcing it to turn. Of course those were all with MTD mowers.
     
    bassJAM, Aug 25, 2015
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  20. papadave

    papadave

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    Not sure how it got so bad, but nothing was going in this one.
    She came over yesterday to get it. Planned to take it with her to Gaylord today to see about a replacement. I gave her the little info I had.
    We might actually get her tractor running before it snows.:thumbs:
     
    papadave, Aug 25, 2015
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