Need help accessing the clutch safety switch on a B7800

[TJIC]

I've owned a B7800 for 10 years. Bought used, now 1100 hours.

Recently it's gotten harder and harder to start - turning the key lights up the dash, and I hear a click of a relay, but no power to the starter. Jiggling the clutch pedal, the PTO controls, etc often gets it started ...after 2 / 3 / 4 tries ...but it's gotten worse. Now can't get it started at all.

I'm 99% sure that one of the safety switches is the problem.

I've taken off the panel under the seat, and used a multimeter to test both seat switches, both PTO safety switches, and the HST switch. All switches are good, but I jumpered them just to be sure.

The last switch is the clutch safety switch. I've located it, but assume [ perhaps incorrectly ] that I need to remove a body panel to access it. I've taken off the dash and just learned that the fuel tank is in the way. I started taking off the hood and removing the firewall, but I'm not convinced that this is the right approach.

How do I get access to the switch and the 2-wire connector to either jumper it for testing, or remove the switch to test it at the bench / replace it?

Thanks.

 

[85Hokie]

Have you tried moving in the seat, moving the PTO lever and moving the HST pedal as you turn the key?

The switches can all be good - but the closing of the circuit may be the problem - the pressure against the switch may be the problem

 

[TJIC]

Have you tried moving in the seat, moving the PTO lever and moving the HST pedal as you turn the key?

The switches can all be good - but the closing of the circuit may be the problem - the pressure against the switch may be the problem

Will give that a shot, thanks ... but even if that works, I still want a permanent SOLUTION.

I did adjust the linkage from the clutch pedal to the flange that pushes against the clutch safety switch to add extra throw.