The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay New starter switch cylinder

I have a 51 chevy, and my on/off switch for the starter in the cab has a short in it. I bought a new key cylinder from Chevy Duty. How does the the old cylinder come out, and the new one go in? The old one has 1 tiny hole in it, and the new one has two tiny holes. Is there a tool to pull the old one out, etc? THANKS!

blaiben,

I haven't done it, but I think the tool is usually a paperclip! My question is, did you address the electrical switch/contact portion of your ignition switch. This is separate from the tumbler, which has no bearing on 'shorts'.

Stuart

No, I did not know there was more to it than the tumbler! When I turn the key on, it usually turns on (the guages move), but then it'll usually come disconnected and goes off. To get it to work I have to turn the key about half way on, and it gets a good connection. Then, I take my keys out of the tumbler when I'm driving, because the weight of the key chain will jiggle enough to "short" it out again, and "die on the run." This problem took my a while to figure out that it was just in the switch,and not my carburator or something more major! What do you think? THANKS!

By the way, I sprayed it real good with some contact cleaner, but that didn't seem to help.

blaiben,

I would guess your switch is just plain worn out...its 56 years young. Some of the specialty suppliers show 'ignition switch' which is different than 'ignition lock'. The lock part comprises the cylinder and keys. Maybe some lock-smart bolters will pop in soon.

Stuart

What you have is an intermitent "open" circuit, not a "short" circuit. A "short" circuit occurs when electricity finds its way to ground before going where it is supposed to go, thus taking a "short cut" to ground.

drop by the local locksmith.

I have a switch you can have.Free. PM me your name and address,ill send it to you.
Just return the favor down the road to someone,someday.

Its in the mail this morning,,with key. Just a quick changeover and youre rollin..........
Good luck,
Marty

The spirit of the Stovebolt....sharing! Marty knew that his key switched wanted to be used, not just sit in a box in the corner. Good for Marty.

Stuart

Marty - I recieved the switch, and installed it, and it works great!! I even took the truck to a cruise-in tonight at a local Hardees and the manager selected my truck as the best of the show!! It was the switch, I'm sure of it!!! Thanks a million, seriously....you're what makes Stovebolt so great.

Youre sooo welcome,Bernard. Glad i could help ya...............
I think we'd all like to see a pic. or two of your truck. Are you in the Gallery?
Happy Truckin,
Marty

Yes, I'm in the gallery.....a 1951 called "The Grandma Proof Truck"...it was a featured truck about 5 years ago or so.

I realized today that after hooking up that "new" ignition switch I accidentally didn't hook the fuel tank wire back up.....oh well, another excuse to work on it!! If you're looking at the BACK of the switch, which one would the gas tank wire hook to? (the 10 o'clock, 2 o'clock, or the 6 o'clock??)

Thanks a million again for all of your help!!!