'78 starting issue

deschutestrout · Post by **deschutestrout** » Wed Jul 31, 2013 7:16 am

Hey. Yesterday went to start my bus, a click then nothing. Battery I thought, so I checked voltage...solid. Cleaned and tightened connections, lights came on, wanted to start then nothing again. Removed and retightened connections, nothing for 1st several turns of the key, then it started right up. Drove a while, shut it off ... absolutely nothing on 1st turn of key, then started.

So...I'm suspicious of the ignition switch?? What's involved in replacing it? My free time is scarce right now ... how big of a job is this? Thank you, Mark

dtrumbo · Post by **dtrumbo** » Wed Jul 31, 2013 7:30 am

Before you indict the switch, make sure the black crescent-shaped connectors that are located at the base of the steering column are pushed on good and snug. This takes all of ten seconds so hopefully you'll be able to squeeze it in to your sked!

I was given a bus for free out of frustration that it would start sometimes and not others seemingly randomly simply because the connector for the ignition switch had come loose. As Kharma payment, I always suggest to others that they check this first. I figure it's the least I can do to "repay it forward".

yondermtn · Post by **yondermtn** » Wed Jul 31, 2013 7:36 am

If it is the ignition switch, the job isn't too bad. I've done it 2x now and it would take less than 1 hour to do. I followed the write-up here:
http://www.ratwell.com/technical/SteeringColumn.html

deschutestrout · Post by **deschutestrout** » Wed Jul 31, 2013 8:01 am

Thanks Yondermtn! I'll take a peek.

RussellK · Post by **RussellK** » Wed Jul 31, 2013 8:26 am

Those symptoms were exactly how mine acted when the switch was going bad. Finally it never started at all. I'll second yondermtn. About a one hour job

tristessa · Post by **tristessa** » Wed Jul 31, 2013 8:36 am

Also look at the tab on the bottom of the lock cylinder -- that part wears, and when it does the switch doesn't always fully engage the "Start" position of the switch.

It's a more esoteric problem, but if you've got everything apart it's worth a look.

deschutestrout · Post by **deschutestrout** » Wed Jul 31, 2013 11:33 am

Thanks Dick, Russell and Hal too! I'll take a look at all the above and see what gives.

luftvagon · Post by **luftvagon** » Wed Jul 31, 2013 12:54 pm

Time for a push button start commando option.

deschutestrout · Post by **deschutestrout** » Wed Jul 31, 2013 3:04 pm

luftvagon wrote:Time for a push button start commando option.

i'd roll with that ... instructions please

the black connectors referenced by dtrumbo did have a bit of "play" to them ... she started right up on each try today ... ordered an ignition switch just to have in my bus in the event of a failure. thanks all!

Post by **Amskeptic** » Sat Aug 03, 2013 5:49 am

deschutestrout wrote:
luftvagon wrote:Time for a push button start commando option.
i'd roll with that ... instructions please

Fie!

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Itinerant Air-Cooled

'78 starting issue

'78 starting issue

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