12 volt starter button?

Zachary Hoyt · Feb 13, 2010

The starter button on my H has begun to smoke when pushed, which leads me to believe it needs to be changed. Is there a difference between a 6 and 12 volt switch or are they the same? Should I be able to get one at NAPA or do I need to order one from this site? I am lamentably ignorant of electrical matters, but I'm trying to learn. Thanks very much.
Zach

old · Feb 13, 2010

That type of button is the same weather it is 6 or 12 volts both are heavy duty and take a look of amps so yep they do like to smoke as they get old and wore out. As for where to get them I have got them from O'Reilly's auto parts. I might go other places but since that is all I have in my town it is sort of there or no where

Zachary Hoyt · Feb 13, 2010

Thanks a lot. I'll try the one on the parts tractor since the voltage doesn't matter and if it's no good too I'll get one in town next week.
Zach

John T · Feb 13, 2010

I strongly suspect those mechanical push direct start switches (i.e. the ones that carry full starter current with two big terminals, NOT relays, often pedestal mounted like on IHC's) are the same regardless if for 6 or 12 volt BUTTTTTT they could be heavier and more current rated if for 6 volt as they can carry more starter current then 12 volt systems. FWIW Alllllll Ive ever seen are for use on EITHER 6 OR 12 VOLTS.

If smoking from inside they may well be bad as the contacts get all burned and carboned and pitted and develop resistance. To be safe Id still first remove n clean n wire brush each n every starter n switch and battery and ground cables and try her again as if one is resistive it can be problematic. If that fixes the smoking woooooo hoooooooo

I like 0 or better yet 00 gauge cables on 6 volt systems

John T

Zachary Hoyt · Feb 13, 2010

Thanks for the response. I didn't see your note till now. I took the box off each tractor, pulled the switch and opened up the little tabs that hold it shut, and ended up using the button assembly off the parts tractor and the two bolt assembly that was on the one that smoked. I also cut off and replaced the connector on the end of the wire from the battery and now it works fine with no smoke. The tractor's been converted to 12V, so I had wondered if the double voltage was hard on the switch, but it sounds from you and Old like they're all the same anyway. I had to get it started tonight to move it away from the wall so I can replace the right side rim and tire. Thanks again.
Zach

Anonymous-0 · Feb 15, 2010

Think of Ohm's Law....where, in any given circuit, volts = amps x resistance. If the resistance is the same, a 12V circuit only has to carry HALF the amps of a 6V circuit to do an equal amount of work. And it's the current [amps] and not the volts that are the concern. So if the switch is rated for 6V, it'll be MORE than heavy enough to carry the current required for the same starter load on 12V...because at 12V, you're only running [approximately] HALF the amps through the circuit.

John T, please correct me if I'm wrong...but I don't think I am.

TheDurk · Feb 15, 2010

(quoted from post at 13:53:42 02/13/10) Should I be able to get one at NAPA or do I need to order one from this site?
Zach

I bought a universal one from NAPA a few years ago for my 12V 140. It's not listed for tractors and it required a minimal amount of Dremel on the dash hole to get the button through. Otherwise, bolted right up. Parts guy says they mainly are used on school busses; they are pretty heavy duty. Cheap, maybe a little hard to push. Sorry, don't know part number, counter guy found it.

12 volt starter button?

Zachary Hoyt

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old

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Zachary Hoyt

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John T

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Zachary Hoyt

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Anonymous-0

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TheDurk

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