Thanks for your responses. The serial number is 11074885--shows as a 1981. I thought I downloaded the proper manual but will double check. As it happens, I have another new battery and will swap them out. I am sure this is not the original switch--at least I have never seen one like it on my two others. I forgot to mention that in my "trouble shooting" today I examined the switch and found no "lights-on" detent position on this switch-so it's gotta go anyway. As it happens, I have a couple of spare used ones lying around so will swap that out and see if that makes a difference. You are so right on the "all original" suggestion...among other things, a previous owner, instead of simply replacing the choke cable, installed an off-the-shelf cheapo. Of course, makinig a nice 3/8 inch hole in the panel. :headscratcher: That's gone.