would this work?

[jim1987]

I bought a new to me craftsman GT yesterday for a great price. Has one minor problem - the ignition is bad and you have to jump the coil. No biggie. But I'm wondering instead of using the second key (an old wooden handeled screw driver, it came with it!) Or running two wires off the coil, if I could run those two wires to a toggle switch and turn off the toggle once its running?

This is a 2-3 year tractor for me, and will be replaced when things get going real good. And I already have wire, wire eyelets and toggles laying around. So essentially, its a free solution.

Work? Good? Bad? Anything to be aware of? I'd mount it in a spot where it couldn't be bumped once running.

Tia

 

[jkwilson]

Key switches cheap enough that I can't see the benefit compared to the slam dunk proof of negligence if somebody would get hurt on it. Disabled safety features makes an injury lawyers dream case.

 

[Dagny]

Years ago the ignition switch quit in my service van, it was Grumman step van. I started it for weeks with two ivory switches hanging out the top of the dash.

 

[jim1987]

Key switches cheap enough that I can't see the benefit compared to the slam dunk proof of negligence if somebody would get hurt on it. Disabled safety features makes an injury lawyers dream case.

There's no safety features disabled. Carry on

 

[jim1987]

Years ago the ignition switch quit in my service van, it was Grumman step van. I started it for weeks with two ivory switches hanging out the top of the dash.

You mean like wall switches in a house?

 

[mopar01]

I think a key switch is like 8 dollars from advance.

 

[CNGsaves]

Surely there's a lawnmower repairman near you with boneyard of old junkards that you could get switch for $1 if you don't want to buy from Sears while they're still in business.

As a kid, we had old '66 Chevy longbed pickup that ignition didn't work quite right. Work-a-round was push button starter button drilled into the dash. Hold in button long enough for starter to get her running, then let go. Never locked it up, and it never got stolen. Better days back then !!

 

[jkwilson]

There's no safety features disabled. Carry on

So you think the key is required for security when it is so simple to bypass with a screwdriver? The key switch is there to control liability. If you leave the key in the ignition, you assume the liability for accidents that happen. If you disable this by modifying the mower to start without a key, you will be found not just liable, but negligent in the event of an accident. Damages will be tripled and your insurance company might refuse to cover you.

 

[G_P]

Many riding mowers can be started by putting any random key or small screwdriver that will fit in the ignition and turning it. They key switch is pretty much just there to keep little kids from starting it and getting hurt.

If there are no kids involved, just install any old switch.

Friend of mine had an 86 Monte Carlo with a bad lock cylinder, We removed the actual switch and left it dangling by the brake pedal. Insert screwdriver and push it to the right to start it. Almost got us arrested once but it worked fine.

 

[jim1987]

So you think the key is required for security when it is so simple to bypass with a screwdriver? The key switch is there to control liability. If you leave the key in the ignition, you assume the liability for accidents that happen. If you disable this by modifying the mower to start without a key, you will be found not just liable, but negligent in the event of an accident. Damages will be tripled and your insurance company might refuse to cover you.

Still need the key to keep it running and for it to start. Idk what your soap box preaching is for. But it makes 0 sense. Maybe you don't know how to read? Maybe I didn't word it right? Alls I'm talking is running two wires off the selenoid to a toggle mounted on the dash. Key still has to be there and turned to run, flip toggle to crank and release once its running.

 

[zkling]

All you need is a toggle switch to control overall power/kill and a momentary push button to feed the solenoid that feeds the positive to the starter. That is all the key switch does, just in a more secure and conventional format. Did that with my boat as I didn't see the need paying for a special switch. Needed a 2nd momentary for choke which you probably don't.

You CAN use a toggle switch to run the starter, but its not that great of an idea. If it gets left in the on position or somehow gets thrown when the engine is running by by starter gear and possibly fly wheel teeth.

 

[jim1987]

All you need is a toggle switch to control overall power/kill and a momentary push button to feed the solenoid that feeds the positive to the starter. That is all the key switch does, just in a more secure and conventional format. Did that with my boat as I didn't see the need paying for a special switch. Needed a 2nd momentary for choke which you probably don't.

You CAN use a toggle switch to run the starter, but its not that great of an idea. If it gets left in the on position or somehow gets thrown when the engine is running by by starter gear and possibly fly wheel teeth.

I have a rocker type switch like a nitrous switch with a cover so no real worries of the switch being hit.