Starter/Ignition Switch Interaction

[RONIN10]

Hey folks,

Ran through all the starter and ignition switch threads and none seemed relevant so here I am.

THE PROBLEM: After starting the bus and releasing the key, I have to manually turn back the key about a 1/4 turn to get the starter to stop operating. The bus then runs normally.

THE BACKGROUND: I just purchased a 1976 Westy with a standard 2.0L engine in it. The old ignition cylinder/switch had a key broken off in it. To start it, you had to stick the stub of the key into the ignition and turn that to start the bus. Releasing the switch stopped the starter motor, but you still had to turn the key back a 1/4 turn to get the headlights and wipers to work. So I replaced the ignition cylinder and now have the above behavior. I haven't done anything to the engine except an oil change.

Having not touched the starter and with it working previously, the problem seems limited to the change I made in the ignition cylinder. But I'm at a loss since I didn't do anything with the wiring beyond unplugging and replugging in connectors.

THE SOLUTION: That's where you guys come in.

Thanks in advance!
_________________
Andrew

Oscar: 1976 Westfalia Deluxe Camper, 2.0L FI, Manual Transaxle

[Desertbusman]

Problem is in the switch mechanism and nothing to do with the starter. The switch has OFF, ON/RUN, and START positions. START position is spring loaded back to ON/RUN position. Also in the START position most all other circuits are dissabled except the ignition which remains on. You shouldn't need to turn the key back to ON/RUN as the switch is spring loaded. Sorry I can't pinpoint what is malfunctioning since my bus has another type of switch.
The solution is a switch that works.
_________________
71 Superbug
71 Westy

[aeromech]

Just like DBM said. Replace the electrical side of the ignition switch. Easy job too.
_________________
Lead Mechanic: San Diego Air and Space Museum
Licensed Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic
Licensed Pilot (Single engine Land)
Boeing 727,737-200-300-400,757,767
Airbus A319,320,321
DC9/MD80
BAe146
Fokker F28/F100
VW type 1 1962,63,65,69,72
VW Type 2 1971 (3 ea.) 1978, 1969
VW Jetta
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Capable of leaping tall buildings in a single bound

[SGKent]

[RONIN10]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll try replacing the electrical portion of the switch and see what happens though I'm a bit skeptical. Like DBM indicated, it seems as if the cylinder spring isn't returning the key to the ON/RUN position. Given that I was experiencing similar no-return behavior with the old switch, I wonder if this might be a problem with the ignition cylinder housing, i.e. the catch for the return spring is damaged so that the spring can't rotate the key back.

On a side note, I feel like both the old and the new ignition cylinders (the new is a Hella) doesn't really have a well defined ON/RUN position like I'm used to with my bug and other vehicles. Is this in keeping with what others experience in their vehicles?

Cheers.
_________________
Andrew

Oscar: 1976 Westfalia Deluxe Camper, 2.0L FI, Manual Transaxle

[Vince Waldon]

Yup.

Guys...to clarify: is the start return spring in the electrical part of the switch or the mechanical (tumbler) part of the switch?

[aeromech]

The spring lives in the electrical side of the switch. Go buy a replacement and before you install it you'll see how it works. The ignition lock cylinder just rotates to turn the D shaped tang that connects (inserts) into the electrical switch.

_________________
Lead Mechanic: San Diego Air and Space Museum
Licensed Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic
Licensed Pilot (Single engine Land)
Boeing 727,737-200-300-400,757,767
Airbus A319,320,321
DC9/MD80
BAe146
Fokker F28/F100
VW type 1 1962,63,65,69,72
VW Type 2 1971 (3 ea.) 1978, 1969
VW Jetta
VW Passat
Capable of leaping tall buildings in a single bound

[RONIN10]

Ah, now I understand! I thought the return spring was in the ignition cylinder (mechanical) side.

Thanks again!
_________________
Andrew

Oscar: 1976 Westfalia Deluxe Camper, 2.0L FI, Manual Transaxle

[Vince Waldon]

Later model VWs (Rabbits, Golfs, Jettas) are like this as well... took me by surprise the first time I ran into it, since you'd kinda expect the switch to just be a switch.

[RONIN10]

Sure enough, replacing the electrical side worked. Thanks!
_________________
Andrew

Oscar: 1976 Westfalia Deluxe Camper, 2.0L FI, Manual Transaxle

[aeromech]