Key blank & a couple more ?'s

[Swobee]

I need to take care of a few things on the 154 LoBoy I just brought home. I'm going to start with some thing easy - new set of ignition keys. Both keys are bent to the point that I don't trust them too long without fear of breaking off in the ingnition switch. Anyone know what blank to use for a new key cut? I went to our local Ace Hardware today and the guy there spent a lot of time searching, but didn't come up with a blank he trusted to fit. Any clues? The keys that came with it just say Hong Kong, no numbers. Looks like a new switch would be a snap to all to install, so maybe I should go that way instead? Bent/twisted keys bug me- (had a bad experience years ago).

Also it seems to me the idle is plenty fast, but I should be able to figure out an adjustment for that. I have a hand held tach, what would be a good, safe location to measure RPM & what should my low speed idle RPM be? Thanks - Greg

[Rudi]

Check with Hamilton Bob's, they are one of our site sponsors and deal in the Numbered Cubs. You can also check with your local CaseIH dealer and see if they have that part #. It doesn't show up on Messicks, but then again their parts pages are a bit messed up.

[beaconlight]

I think the key is generic and fits most tractors for many years and is not like auto keys.

[RaymondDurban]

... Also it seems to me the idle is plenty fast, but I should be able to figure out an adjustment for that. I have a hand held tach, what would be a good, safe location to measure RPM & what should my low speed idle RPM be? Thanks - Greg

With a handheld tach, use the PTO shaft to get your measurements. At low idle, the PTO should be spinning at around 390 RPM, which would equate to 450-500 engine RPM.

[Hamiltonbob]

Greg,
Many of the key switches have been changed over the years. Be sure to take your key if you go to an IH dealer. If you do put in a new key switch, remove thru the side plate as many steering wheels are very difficult to remove. Good Luck
Hamiltonbob