ignition switch

[pottsthomas]

I asked this previously, but forgot the answer, so bear with me. On my 79 spider, the starter motor spun freely for about 30 seconds after the key was released, and ever since then has taken 10-20 attempts turning the key to get the starter to work. No solenoid noise or anything. So it sounds like the ignition switch is going bad, rather than a starter issue, right?

[manoa matt]

Did you have the starter out, and get it tested? Could it be just the solenoid?

This might help if it turns out to be the switch: http://www.mirafiori.com/faq/content/switch/index.html

[pottsthomas]

I've checked all the connections, and assumed it was a starter issue, as a replacement starter was installed 6-7 years ago. But if it were a solenoid, I'd of thought I'd hear it trying to engage or something, but there's no noise at all. Then I read a thread about how the switch tells the starter to stop spinning, and what seemed to start the problem was when the starter motor spun freely without engaging the engine, so that's why I now think its the switch. I've not been wanting to do another starter motor anyway- a new switch sounds a lot more appetizing a project, if someone would just convince me its worth the 60 or 80 bucks to play with it.

I guess I should have put this under the electric section. Maybe the moderator can move it.

[manoa matt]

Click on that link and see how the switch is put together. If you lay on your back on the drivers side floor. Un-connect the switch at the connector block. With two precision/small screw drivers or picks, pick out the metal circlip that holds the electrical contacts in the back of the switch. Without taking the whole assembily apart like in the article, just spray some electrical contact cleaner into the mechanisim and work it back and forth a few times. Re install it and see if it makes a difference. If it gets better and works, then you know its the switch. This trick may prolong the life of the switch, but eventually you will either need to completely dissassemble the switch as detailed in the link writeup, or buy a new switch.

[james124]

I think you need to ascertain whether the switch is supplying power to the starter first. If power is flowing from the switch then the switch is OK, otherwise the problem could lie in the switch or around the switch. With a voltmeter check that the wire coming from the switch to the starter is generating at least 12 volts when you crank the engine. You may need a helper to do this. If the switch is the culprit, then you already have all the info. Let us know. Good luck. James

[Dawgme85]

Sounds like a broken Bendix Spring in the starter, if the starter spins but doesn't engage the flywheel gear.

Good luck.

[dulcimerbob]

My 76 was doing that and a new starter fixed it. Starts up fine now. I got my starter at Oreilly's 49.99

[pottsthomas]

well, I haven't been up to see the car since I last posted. Its in my buddy's garage at rocking chair motors. More talking has re-convinced me its the starter, so I'll order another one and put it in next time I'm up there. Thanks for all the help. Next issue, burping the cooling system (again) and tackling the seat repair (broken back- bends with a hand pull.