Ignition switch Operation

[johnr9q@yahoo.com]

What does this ignition switch do when the key is turned. It currently does nothing. Is the plunger that goes into the distrubitor supposed to extend or retract?

 

[Jim/GA]

This looks like a "pop out" ignition switch.

To turn it OFF, you press in on the cylinder (no key in the lock) and it should stay in.

To turn it ON, you insert the key and turn it momentarily 1/4 turn to the right until the cylinder pops out. It is now on, and you can remove the key. If the cylinder is all gummed up, you can gently pull the cylinder out after you turn it 1/4 turn to the right.

No, the spring loaded brass plunger does not move in and out with the key. The spring pushes the plunger out and holds it tightly to a bar inside the distributor as you screw the lock cable into the distributor.

I hope that makes sense.

 

[Bob C]

That looks like a 1940's- 50's replacement switch. Turn it on
and you should have continuity between the brass plunger
and the stud on the switch.

 

[johnr9q@yahoo.com]

Thanks Jim, I turn The key 1/4 turn to the right but nothing pops out. I pull on the key hard while it's turned and still nothing pops out. Maybe its frozen or busted? Should the starter turn over if I can't turn the ignition on? Just got this car and trying to get it running.

 

[Bob C]

That's not a popout switch.

 

[johnr9q@yahoo.com]

Bob C, what do you recommend? I am very new to Model A's so need a lot of help. I've been watching all the vedios, and bought the suggested books.

 

[Bob C]

If the key works I would hook and ohm meter to the stud on the switch body and the other lead to the plunger on the end of the cable and see if the switch works.

 

[CT Jack]

If you are not interested in being completely original then I would buy a new switch from the suppliers that looks like a pop out type. As a reference Snyders offers a pop out looking switch that doesn't pop out A-11575-EM from NuRex. This a simple on off switch that works well.
The starter motor works independent of the switch. The switch turns the ignition circuit on and off.

 

[Jim/GA]

Thanks Jim, I turn The key 1/4 turn to the right but nothing pops out. I pull on the key hard while it's turned and still nothing pops out. Maybe its frozen or busted? Should the starter turn over if I can't turn the ignition on? Just got this car and trying to get it running.

OK, so not a great picture. I guess it is not a pop out switch.

This switch has nothing to do with the starter. The starter motor will turn over (with the starter switch) regardless of this key switch. This switch only controls if you get a spark or not.

 

[nkaminar]

Most, if not all, of the wiring diagrams you find on line and in books have the original pop-out switch. That wiring was designed as a theft deterrent. The coil was always hot (connected to the battery on one side). The pop-out switch would connect the other side of the coil to the points.

The modern switch is different. In this case the coil is not hot and has one side always connected to the points. When the modern switch is turned on it connects the battery to the other side of the coil.

You can use your multimeter to trace out the wiring. Make a little sketch of the parts: coil, battery, switch, points, terminal block, starter, etc. and use the multimeter to trace where the voltage is with the switch off and on. As you discover where the voltage is going, make lines to connect the different parts. This is your personal wiring diagram.

 

[johnr9q@yahoo.com]

thanks for all you guys help