On my old ford 9N tractor I get shocked through the key when I try to start it. Bad ignition switch or other?

Question

I also have had a small battery drain the past year so I have to unplug the battery so it doesn't run dead. This past week I can not get it started or if it does run for a few minutes it then just dies like the key is turned off. When it does not start, I do not have spark to any of the plugs, however I do have proper voltage to the coil. Naturally I figured there was an ignition problem so I replaced the coil, condenser, and points with no fix. Please note there have been two modifications to the tractor electrical system many years ago. Generator was replaced with a standard 1980 GM alternator and the ignition switch and starter switch were replaced with a key ignition switch that controls both. Currently with the ignition off, there is power to the main red wire to the alternator and power up to the old amp meter, I don't think this is correct. I guess the short is in the ignition switch itself, or the alternator, but I don't know why it just dies when running a few min. help

Answer 1

your ignition switch is shorted through the tumblers you could get a new one almost anywhere.

doesn't nessicarily have to be a ford you could get one for a boat

or could just be  a loose/poorly insulated wire

you might want to look again at your set up and put a relay on the coil side of that circuit if you get poped off of distributer Amps = I am sorry for you

Answer 2

I am sorry I cannot really help but I was looking for a picture of a 9N key.  My husband died two weeks and among his couple hundred keys I cannot identify the tractor key.  Could you please help me?

you could send a phone picture of it if that works.  let me know and I'll send my telephone number.

Karen S