hey guys, wiring the ignition on my 59. The switch has ig1,ign2,start,2 bat and 4 accy terminals. The ig2 and start terms have no power when ign is live. Bad switch? Also just for fun, the initial start up, key off worked to kill engine, now it doesn't. 327 engine, MSD ignition.
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59 apache
- Thread starter neil h
- Start date
ignition
I will take a shot at it. Sounds like your switch is going bad. I have never used a MSD ignition so I can't help you with that. I used a Chevy HEI stock distributor. I think the switch is the cheapest thing to try first. I did discover that the local parts house had the switch I needed in stock. Good luck to you. Gerald in Florida
I will take a shot at it. Sounds like your switch is going bad. I have never used a MSD ignition so I can't help you with that. I used a Chevy HEI stock distributor. I think the switch is the cheapest thing to try first. I did discover that the local parts house had the switch I needed in stock. Good luck to you. Gerald in Florida
JIMnWV
Member
Is this the original switch your wiring? Continuity tester will help a lot to determine where you terminate wires to switch. Gotta have power to Ign in start position as well as run position. Are you running an alternator? the reason I ask about the alternator is because I have bought O'l tractors in the past that the previous owner had changed to 12V and end up with a tractor that won't die or runs the battery down while setting a few days. Pictures of what your working with would be good if at all possible.
jinaeve
Member
Neil,
I agree with JIMnWV - but it does sound like your switch may have gone bad but if you don't have one, pick up a cheap continuity tester and check to see if you get continuity between the "bat" and other power terminals with the key switched to either of those positions (without wires). If not, you may very well have a bad switch but also check for corrosion on the terminals. This is often something people don't even consider.
The best way to address corrosion on the terminals is getting a small wire brush, preferably brass and with all wires removed and the terminal screws loose, spray a little WD-40 on them and with the brass brush, brush each terminal vigorously then wipe them down with a soft clean cloth. Reconnect and see if that helped otherwise, sometimes corrosion can occur inside on these old switches which if thats the case, you will need to replace it.
I agree with JIMnWV - but it does sound like your switch may have gone bad but if you don't have one, pick up a cheap continuity tester and check to see if you get continuity between the "bat" and other power terminals with the key switched to either of those positions (without wires). If not, you may very well have a bad switch but also check for corrosion on the terminals. This is often something people don't even consider.
The best way to address corrosion on the terminals is getting a small wire brush, preferably brass and with all wires removed and the terminal screws loose, spray a little WD-40 on them and with the brass brush, brush each terminal vigorously then wipe them down with a soft clean cloth. Reconnect and see if that helped otherwise, sometimes corrosion can occur inside on these old switches which if thats the case, you will need to replace it.