Ford 2N starter switch??

Last few times I've started my '46 2N it acted like the battery was partially discharged... or like dirty posts/connectors. Then today it would just barely turnover - before stopping altogether. Removed battery, put on recharger, cleaned terminals/connectors. Solid 6.3v tested; all cables tested. After that, still sounded nearly dead, but managed to at least start so I could get it under cover.
QUESTION: my start button/plunger has been getting progressively grumpier and has required additional pressure and wiggling. SO... does this starter button operate in a way that could act like a discharged battery? Or bad connection? OR>> am I looking at a finicky voltage regulator (is that even possilbe)?
thanks, Jake

Simple way to test that theory is to take a wire form the small terminal on the solenoid and ground it. If it turns over good then yep starter switch is going bad. If it still does the same thing good chance your starter is about to go out on you

(quoted from post at 18:14:07 11/29/16) Simple way to test that theory is to take a wire form the small terminal on the solenoid and ground it. If it turns over good then yep starter switch is going bad. If it still does the same thing good chance your starter is about to go out on you

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Ok, will do just that in the morning. FWIW, I completely rebuilt the starter itself about 18mo ago... so while it might be becoming "unsound" at least that would be unexpected. Thanks much -

Rich, I think you overlooked that he said he had a 2N.
No solenoid, just the mechanical linkage that pushes the
big starter switch mounted under the battery unless someone
has re-wired it. Shouldn't have a voltage regulator either.

Jake, that switch can go bad. You can take it out and test it.
Two bolts.
You could also take it out, make sure the tractor is in neutral
because you are by-passing the neutral safety lock and push it
by hand. That would at least rule out the binding/wear of the
linkage but may not tell you much about the switch.
Obviously you'd have to make sure the wires don't touch anything.

I have seen 2n both ways but yes most would have the machinical type switch but even then he can jump across the 2 posts to check for a weak starter

Yep, he can jump across it easy enough.
Same warning about making sure its in neutral.

(quoted from post at 19:21:34 11/29/16) Yep, he can jump across it easy enough.
Same warning about making sure its in neutral.

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Hey thx everyone! I will doublecheck neutral and try bypassing the switch in the morning.
Much appreciated, jake

(quoted from post at 20:47:53 11/29/16)

(quoted from post at 19:21:34 11/29/16) Yep, he can jump across it easy enough.
Same warning about making sure its in neutral.

Click to expand...

Hey thx everyone! I will doublecheck neutral and try bypassing the switch in the morning.
Much appreciated, jake

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The jump worked fine. Maybe a bit weak, but more like the 2N has been for years. So I pulled the starter button... which looks surprisingly healthy, but hey... time to make the 50 mile drive up north to the tractor parts place.
Huge thanks to you both -
Jake in western oregon

(quoted from post at 13:13:03 11/30/16)

(quoted from post at 20:47:53 11/29/16)

(quoted from post at 19:21:34 11/29/16) Yep, he can jump across it easy enough.
Same warning about making sure its in neutral.

Click to expand...

Hey thx everyone! I will doublecheck neutral and try bypassing the switch in the morning.
Much appreciated, jake

Click to expand...

The jump worked fine. Maybe a bit weak, but more like the 2N has been for years. So I pulled the starter button... which looks surprisingly healthy, but hey... time to make the 50 mile drive up north to the tractor parts place.
Huge thanks to you both -
Jake in western oregon

Click to expand...

New switch is in - the old 2N starts right up. Thanks everyone -

Jake