B Wiring

The real early B models were crank start. Most didn't have provision on the block for a Generator to mount. (BE engines) Those particular units didn't have lights either so there was no need for a Gennie. As time progressed, so did the B, and lights, Generator, and electric start were added. The B/C blocks had bosses to mount a Generator. As those accessories were added, of coarse so was a wiring harness. On B models that were equipped with lights, a Battery box was added between the tool boxl and the steering column support post. Its at this post an instrument panel or Ammeter panel was mounted housing the Ammeter, three pos. charging switch, and Mag kill switch. That particular switch that's on your Tractor someone added on. Moving the mag kill switch near the driver is much safer should something happen where you would need to shut the engine down quickly.  HTH

SO did any B's come with a WICO mag? I kinda thought most all had the Fairbanks Morse mags.

tuck - owners manual makes no reference to other than f/m, but i know i did see a wico on either a B or a CA recently.  likely just another "replacement"?

Chalmersbob wrote: The tractor that you have didn't have that, or any, switch to kill the engine, as Steve mentioned. The throttle quadrant linkage was set up so when you pulled the lever all the way back, the engine would shut off so there wasn't any need for wires and a kill switch. Bob

EagleTDL,  You have received some excellent input from our renowned electrical expert SteveNJ. 
The early B tractors that I remember did not - as Steve Says - have any electrical wiring with the exception of the plug wires.  In fact, to my recollection there was a kill clip mounted on the mag to stop the tractor.  I was not aware of the feature whereby one could move the throttle beyond the running position to kill the engine.  I remember I would move to the side of the B and push the kill clip.
Later, as you have seen, since nobody wanted to get off the tractor some rigged an off switch such as yours so they did not have to get off the tractor to stop the engine.  In fact they usually stopped them on an incline so they could be moved forward to turn the engine without having to crank it. 
Charlie, I do not remember any B tractors coming through with the WICO mags as original equipment. 
Take good care of my favorite.  You have a collector's tractor.
During WWII a few B tractors were made without electrics to save the copper for the war effort.  The starter hole in the torque tube was plugged with a cover and there was a small triangle tin to fill the gap where the tool box was cut for the battery box.  The bosses for the battery and generator were there but not used.  After the war when these items were readily available they were usually added and the plug and the triangle were junked.  Finding one of these would be very significant.
Sorry I talked so long but you just seemed to catch on an interesting subject.
Remember, the B was a very BASIC unit.
Good Luck!
Bill Long
 


Edited by Bill Long - 23 Aug 2013 at 7:58am

My C has had the original Fairbanks Morse, an American Bosch and now a Wico magneto.

CTuckerNWIL wrote: My 38 B has a toggle switch on top of the toolbox. The wire goes thru the toolbox and out along the right side of the block.

Steve, you are a veritable cornucopia of information! LOL

Thanks for the info!  Don't know if I understand it all, but thanks nonetheless...  

Hello, I have been working on my Dad's old 48 C after inheriting it three years ago. It was pretty much apart, but Dad had rebuilt the engine probably 20 years ago. 

I'm wit' Tuck on that one. There's an insulated wire that is connected to the inside of the screw that comes out to hold the shut-down tang in place. That insulated wire runs under the front of the coil inside the unit and up to the points. Doesn't sound like its there or connected as Tuck mentioned. No wire... no shut off.....Might havta' pull the choke closed to shut down the engine till ya git' the wire connected.   HTH
Steve@B&B