CH20 Ignition switch problem ?

[DK35vince]

From what I've been reading, this seems to be a constantly recurring problem.
After I left my aviation maintenance career, I took on summer contract work for a busy yacht charter company. Working on sail & power boats that spent their entire lives in a harsh marine environment. In 9 years, I think I replaced one "ignition" switch.
Many marine diesel switches function in the same way these problematic Kioti switches do & it'd be a simple job to change them out. For about $30.00, it seems like we could save a lot of unnecessary grief.
It would be better if the manufacturer would step up & make a better switch, but it doesn't look like they are that interested.
My new DS4510 arrives on Saturday. (three more sleeps!) One of the first things I'm gonna do is look into replacing that switch!
I hope someone will chime in, if this issue has been addressed with the newer tractors. Or if anyone has tried this already. (Someone MUST have)
P.S. I posted previously that the model I bought was a DK45SE. Wrong... It seems I wrote down the wrong model number in my notes.
The DS has fewer bells & whistles, but as a true bush mechanic, I'm OK with that!
I'll formally join the "club" when I get the tractor home on Saturday.
Cheers. Dan

Dan,
I'm not sure what years/models had the problem switch's.
But my 13 year old DK 35 has never had any ignition switch issues.

 

[39President]

For the record, my CK20 HST is a 2006, 360 hours. I sprayed WD40 in the switch this morning, turned it on & off a few times without trying to start it, then turned ignition switch to start. NO dead spot, fired right up. Guess I'll spray the switch routinely. Anybody know of a switch I can swap the factory one for or am I stuck buying a Kioiti factory switch? Thanks for all to help and advice!

 

[ritcheyvs]

Hey 39. ATTABOY!. The boat switch idea has merit; marine-rated products are designed for really harsh environments. But it may not be so easy or worth the trouble. First, the new switch would need the same electrical connections inside and there is more than one version in our tractors. Second, you'd need to cannibalize the wires/connectors from the old switch and adapt the hole to fit the new one. Finally, your re-lubed switch will probably work fine for many years, now, making the trouble and cost of a new switch questionable.

My switch has been working great for 3-4 years since I cleaned and re-lubed it and I think others have similar success.

By the way, WD40 is not a good lubricant despite what many people think. But it is a good cleaning agent and it also leaves a film that reduces subsequent corrosion and does not seem to disrupt"wiping" switch contacts.

 

[Raincoast]

Good points Rich. The wiring & fitting would be simple for me, but maybe not for everyone. Before I get too excited, I'll give the switch a chance to behave... If it gives me much trouble, it's outa there!
Has anyone tried a good dielectric grease like this?...
Amazon.com: Permatex 22058 Dielectric Tune-Up Grease, 3 oz. Tube: Automotive
It's only a few bucks & works great. Never dries up & is completely waterproof. I haven't used the Permatex stuff, but its probably a good product.
After years working on aircraft, preventive maintenance is a habit. If there's a chance of preventing a breakdown I'd rather do that than end up fixing the switch in the pouring rain.
Thanks for your thoughts & the good info.
Dan

 

[Raincoast]

Good points Rich. The wiring & fitting would be simple for me, but maybe not for everyone. Before I get too excited, I'll give the switch a chance to behave... If it gives me much trouble, it's outa there!
Has anyone tried a good dielectric grease like this?...
Amazon.com: Permatex 22058 Dielectric Tune-Up Grease, 3 oz. Tube: Automotive
It's only a few bucks & works great. Never dries up & is completely waterproof. I haven't used the Permatex stuff, but its probably a good product.
After years working on aircraft, preventive maintenance is a habit. If there's a chance of preventing a breakdown I'd rather do that than end up fixing the switch in the pouring rain.
Thanks for your thoughts & the good info.
Dan

 

[ritcheyvs]

... Has anyone tried a good dielectric grease like this?...
Amazon.com: Permatex 22058 Dielectric Tune-Up Grease, 3 oz. Tube: Automotive ...

That's the stuff I used when I reassembled my switch. Just happened to have it in the tool box. I didn't see much corrosion in my switch, just lots of hard and dirty grease.

 

[Raincoast]

Sorry for the sorta double post. Thought the first one got lost.
I see a new tube of dielectric grease in my future!

 

[rider7767]

The switches are a weak link. I had to replace mine under warranty at about 75 hours. The new one is starting to do the same thing (a dead spot), so I sprayed lube into the key hole. That helps for a while. My tractor stays under a carport and is only in the rain when I have been caught out.

 

[ritcheyvs]

Rider, The electrical part of the switch is dirt simple. If you still have the old switch, maybe you should disassemble and clean/lube it. Here is a writeup with a couple photos:

ignition_switch

 

[rider7767]

Rider, The electrical part of the switch is dirt simple. If you still have the old switch, maybe you should disassemble and clean/lube it. Here is a writeup with a couple photos:

ignition_switch

Thank you for the info. I did keep the switch and have already cleaned it; however, it is under warranty. My dealer just sends me the parts and I put them on. I have only had two things break in two years.