The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Ignition Swtich

I have a 61 Chevy Apache, the previous owner did not use a key to start the truck. When I got the truck the engine would start and run. The truck does not have the orginal engine, it was changed out to a 350. I removed the ignition switch (marked all wires for reinstallation) and had a key made. After reinstalling the ignition switch the engine will crank and fire as long as the switch is in the start position. When I let go of the key the engine shuts down. I have discussed this with the locksmith and he has no idea how keying the lock would effect the switch. The previous owner has butchered up the wiring and it is a mess. Thought I might have reinstalled the wiring incorrectly and did some trouble shooting. I discovered the wire to the soleniod was hot so I switch it with the battery wire. The engine cranked but did not fire. I switched the wires back and the engine craned and fired but shutdown when I let go of the key. I would appreciate any help I can get on this matter. Thanks Redo

faulty or missing ignition resistor, or some incorrect wiring .... in the start position the resistor is bypassed to give full 12V to the coil, when the key goes back to the run position power to the coil goes thru the resistor

Bill

Hi Redo, I had a similar problem on a '64 that turned out to be a bad ign. switch.. I could wiggle the key around and it would make contact & stay running...--It would crank & start OK but die if the switch wasn't 'wiggled' just right. just a thought good luck