78 ignition switch

[blatzer]

replacing my ignition switch for the third time in 2 years, is this one legit?
https://www2.cip1.com/SearchResults.asp?search=WC-111-905-865-LGR&Submit=

[foxmon]

It's legit, but you might want to stroll over to Bus Depot for a German made OEM Volkswagen one on sale...
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'78 CEII Deluxe Westy Auto 2.0 FI Hydro now w/'79 heads
Bus driver since 1975

[Tcash]

https://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=VWC-111-905-865-LGR
It says GR (german) O.E. QUALITY, what ever that means is up to interpretation.

Here is a Meyle, can't speak of its quality.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-meyle-parts/ignition-switch/111905865l~mey/

You need to test the resistance in your starting circuit. Bad wiring, bad starter can increase the resistance and increase the current (amps) going across the switch.

You may want to install a starter relay to take some of the load off the switch.
https://www2.cip1.com/SearchResults.asp?searching=...amp;page=1

Another option is to install a starter button and take the switch out of the circuit. Until you can figure out what is wrong.
https://www.google.com/search?q=starter+push+butto...tTQvxYIu5g

Good luck
Tcash

[SGKent]

replace or lube your starter solenoid. If you have excessive accessories on the ignition switch move the circuits to a paddle switch or reliable relay. One of the two or both are torching your ignition switch.
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“Most people don’t know what they’re doing, and a lot of them are really good at it.” - George Carlin

[aerosurfer]

I just did this the other day. Had an old German made, probably original switch finally give up the ghost on me. It had developed a crack when I was able to finally remove it.

Replaced with a Meyle one from my spare stock, fired right up. But I would like to get a good quality replacement or 2 to have handy. I'd be interested if the one linked above is the same or equivalent to the BD German one I nearly ordered last night.

I did swap the whole column assembly onto my bus a few years ago from a 79, but I was able to do this repair in about 45 mins this time. The directions are spot on from the ratwell link
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Rebuild your own FI Harness..My Harness

77 Westy 2.0L Rockin and Rolling Resto!

72 Sportsmobile (sold)
79 Tran$porter... Parts car money machine (gone)

[Hoody]

Ratwell has a break down of the ignition switches. Your best bet is to find Original German VW which is highly unlikely at this point. Next best is Original VW Brazil. I bought every German switch that I could find 5 years ago and they are all gone as far as I know. There are probably some parts places in Germany that will have the VW Brazil switches. A select few shops in Germany source the best parts available after their German stock runs out. Meyle has long outsourced their production to China. So the whole "German Quality" is a crock of shit. If they are charging 12 bucks for a switch they are paying 5 for it. Original German ones were 30-50 bucks a piece years ago if you could even find them. After 30 minutes of looking it appears that no one has anything but the Chinese Meyle. A guy I have done a lot of business with in Germany may have some. If there is an interest I can put out the feelers. Sadly most of the VW crowd in this country are more than happy to find a 12 dollar switch....and then replace it countless times. But in this country this is what the market will bare for the masses. Thus just a butt load of Chinese Garbage that will fail quickly. Steve's advise will likely add life to the Chinese Meyle switches. Good luck replacing the solonoid...Sadly Bosch has gone down hill at the speed of light as well.

[blatzer]

good info- re: checking resistance in starting circuit- how do you go about doing that- i do have a subwoofer amp connected that will make rumbling noises when i turni on the key to start

[blatzer]

re: checking the starting circuit resistance, is that a newbie question or i'm just supposed toknow how to do it or you were just throwing out solutions off the top of your head

[SGKent]

you get your ohm meter out and measure voltage drop across each connection. You lube the starter solenoid because the heat from the motor cooks the grease which makes it sticky, and then the solenoid requires extra current which toasts the starter switch.
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“Most people don’t know what they’re doing, and a lot of them are really good at it.” - George Carlin

[Tcash]