'72 Bus Ignition Switch Sweet Spot Gone

[Drhallster]

So when I bought my bus last year (1972) the ignition switch would only start in a small sweet spot. It never has a problem with the key turning or the steering wheel locking. All that is good. But now the "sweet spot" is gone. No matter how or where I turn the key it won't kick over the starter.

So as I dive into this I thought I'd take a step back and ask some advice.

Do I replace the entire cylinder? Shouldn't need to right, since mechanically it all seems to work.

Do I replace the electrical switch part only?

Am I missing something obvious?

I really want to get this thing fired up and see how the stock dual carbs work.

Thanks
Steve

[Amskeptic]

You might gain a week or a year by pushing the key in towards the steering column.

Mine did that, I took apart the column support cover to access the rear of the switch, peeled back the tabs that held the plastic switch housing to the lock cylinder, cleaned and re-greased the contacts with dielectric grease, reassembled and it has been fine ever since. The "key" <haha pun, to the job is to ensure the plastic switch housing is securely mounted to the lock cylinder. It gets loosened up from innumerable starts.
Colin

[Drhallster]

Thanks Collin. I'll try that tonight.
It's all that is holding up firing it up and Tim and I are salivating.

Steve

[Amskeptic]

Good Luck buddy. I hear you have removed your engine for beautification and cleanliness. This is higher order DSM IV Personality Disorders: Compulsions; intact personality, ocd Volkswagen Hobby

[Drhallster]

Only one cure for it . My wife is getting suspicious of all the grease stains. Thinks I have another lover.
See the photos on general chat.
Steve

[Drhallster]

So I pulled off the ignition switch last night. Even before taking it out of the cylinder there was a large amount of play in the plastic portion on the backside of the switch from the metal. Probably 3/8 of an inch. I almost thought it would come out without removing the grubscrew. I then took it apart and found large amounts of grease in there. Too much?

Cleaned up and secure now. Will see if it works tonight or Friday.

Steve

[Amskeptic]

found large amounts of grease in there. Too much?
Cleaned up and secure now.

If it is the correct grease, the more the merrier.
I'll be prayyyyyyin' (thankew geeeeeeeezus) for ya.
Colin