Colt Case Ingersoll Garden Tractors

Could someone please tell me where the wiring for the headlights is supposed to go. Up on top of the engine or below on the frame. On top doesn't sound right to me with the heat and hood closing on it.

Mine on my 1982 Case 446 comes along the left side just at the top over the frame.

Noel

I 'm not quite sure were you mean Noel. Does it run along the top side of the frame then back up to the lights at the front?

I can say that on my 444 it runs along the right side of the frame more or less. It tucks inside the sheetmetal as it reachs the front, and then up toward the lights. I ended up running mine inside some 1/4" poly tube after the second time it got pinched, and shorted. Not a problem with that since.

There is not just one route for all models. The thing that matters the most is it has to end up at the frame once it gets to the front of the tractor because it goes up the front grill at the hood hinge.

You will want a battery ground if you use LED lights. They do not work well when they are grounded to just the hood which has to then jump across the rusty hinge.

Thank you Guys, I'm putting the tractor back together without knowing the factory route of all the wiring and trying not to do a hack job on it . Much appreciated!

keith wrote: ↑Wed Jan 24, 2024 2:51 pm I 'm not quite sure were you mean Noel. Does it run along the top side of the frame then back up to the lights at the front?

Yes that’s what I mean Kieth. Then up the same side to the battery area.

Noel

ssmewing wrote: ↑Wed Jan 24, 2024 5:16 pm You will want a battery ground if you use LED lights. They do not work well when they are grounded to just the hood which has to then jump across the rusty hinge.

I'd go further and say you want a ground no matter what, if you want the lights to work. That rusty hinge pin is going to be an issue either way. Hell, I'd hate running ground through a brand new tractor in a joint like that let alone our vintage machines.

While you at it why not replace the "rusty hinge pin" ? I have changed all my tribe to stainless for a few pennies each and a few minutes of time cutting the rod to length!

Keith, just to clarify. The wiring should be down low and run either above or below the frame rail. I use a couple of ties to hold it there. When you reach the front is where it gets a little difficult... remember you need to be able to remove the hood sometimes for even basic service so for me I keep my three way ( I mean by that the connector that splits the connections between the two headlights) towards the bottom of the hood and close to the hinge pin. When removing the hood that connector is my go to for disconnection.

Just my two cents..

Ray

ras101 wrote: ↑Sat Feb 10, 2024 1:37 pm Keith, just to clarify. The wiring should be down low and run either above or below the frame rail. I use a couple of ties to hold it there. When you reach the front is where it gets a little difficult... remember you need to be able to remove the hood sometimes for even basic service so for me I keep my three way ( I mean by that the connector that splits the connections between the two headlights) towards the bottom of the hood and close to the hinge pin. When removing the hood that connector is my go to for disconnection.

Just my two cents..

Ray

Yes Ray, I installed the wiring in a 1/2"plastic loom an ran it along the bottom rail with cable ties .I need to add one or two more because the fan just clipped the loom a little on the top because of the bend and I didn't notice it. Could of been a catastrophe. I took some pics yesterday but they didn't turn out because of the overcast and my shelter was dark. Another day I'll try again. I also soldered a wire to both headlights and ran a dedicated ground back to the battery area, which was suggested by ssmewing and Toolslinger. I' take yours and anyone's two cents, it all helps with other different ideas.