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08-16-2014, 05:47 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 438
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Horn, light switch issue
Hello Folks! I'm new here and just got my first Model A. Its a 1930 2 door sedan and I've got a lot to learn. I have a couple of questions that I'm hoping you kind folks could give me some direction.
1. With the gas cap, after rotating, I can lift the cap up and down about 1/16" as if the gasket is not thick enough. Could this be because the gas strainer is missing? 2.Crazy problem with the light switch. When making turns the the knob will sometimes rotate to the on position. It gets worse. When the headlights are turned on, the horn will beep constantly. With the headlights off, I can beeb the horn with no issues and the headlights don't come on. I'm not really sure where to start looking. Any help is appreciated! |
08-16-2014, 07:46 PM | #2 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Camino, CA.
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Re: Horn, light switch issue
You need to remove your horn rod, clean it up with sand paper, check it for straightness, grease it some, and reinstall it. Unless you have an open car, you might have to remove the steering column to get the horn rod out.
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08-16-2014, 09:30 PM | #3 |
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Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Duluth, MN
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Re: Horn, light switch issue
had the same problem. turned out the spider at the lower end of the horn rod wasn't engaging the light switch properly.
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08-16-2014, 10:04 PM | #4 | |
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Re: Horn, light switch issue
Quote:
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What's right about America is that although we have a mess of problems, we have great capacity - intellect and resources - to do some thing about them. - Henry Ford II Last edited by Mike V. Florida; 08-16-2014 at 10:14 PM. |
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08-17-2014, 02:56 AM | #5 |
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Re: Horn, light switch issue
Does the bail wire hold the switch tightly to the column?
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08-17-2014, 05:50 PM | #6 |
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Re: Horn, light switch issue
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I also noticed that the light switch housing can be easily rocked back and forth. It seems to fit loosely in the collar bracket thingy that is mounted with two small bolts. I'll run a few tests and will probably pull apart the switch and maybe pull out the light switch rod. |
08-17-2014, 06:47 PM | #7 |
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Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 43
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Re: Horn, light switch issue
I believe that there were 3 different lengths of horn rods. Make sure you have the right one. There is also a small brass bushing that goes in the steering shaft before you install the horn rod. It is designed to stop the horn rod from turning with the steering wheel,
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08-17-2014, 06:50 PM | #8 |
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Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Duluth, MN
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Re: Horn, light switch issue
Remove the throttle and spark linkage, the bolts that hold the gear box to the frame and the clamp under the gas tank. This will give you enough room to pull the horn rod out in the car.
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08-17-2014, 07:14 PM | #9 |
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Oregon
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Re: Horn, light switch issue
This is a timely thread because I was having the same issue (headlights would go on when I turned left... I thought it was a message from Hillary ).
Anyway, fearing I would have to remove the horn rod, I started with the simplest possible fix: I disassembled the light switch and found some grease had leaked into it from the steering box. I took apart the switch, wiped out the grease and polished up the contacts. All is well now! What I learned: (1) wipe out the light switch occasionally (in fact the Book of Les recommends this each 1,000 miles) (2) Start with the simplest thing first Thanks (and welcome to FB), Harley! Mike in Oregun. |
08-17-2014, 10:55 PM | #10 | |
Senior Member
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Re: Horn, light switch issue
Quote:
__________________
What's right about America is that although we have a mess of problems, we have great capacity - intellect and resources - to do some thing about them. - Henry Ford II |
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08-18-2014, 12:42 PM | #11 |
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Oregon
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Re: Horn, light switch issue
Mike V:
My bad; I misspoke. "Grease" in the generic sense; what's in there is actually the proper "600W" gear oil. In this case, gravity is not our friend because the steering box gear oil leaks into the light switch. If not cleaned out, it can mess with lighting system and horn. Thanks for catching my error. |
08-18-2014, 01:35 PM | #12 |
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Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 438
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Re: Horn, light switch issue
When I jiggeled the switch housing or pushed it up tighter the horn would stop beeping with the headlights on. I have it apart now and found the spyder retainer half on and cocked. I pulled out the light rod and found the upper bushing missing from the steering shaft. So, I ordered a new light switch rod ( the tube was not in good shape), clip, bushing and bail wire. I think the bail wire may be stretched out and not holding the switch assembly tight enough. So hopefully when it goes back together it will work fine.
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08-18-2014, 02:04 PM | #13 |
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Oregon
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Re: Horn, light switch issue
Hey Harley: When you get your parts and get the switch put back together, let us know if all's well. It's nice to know how these problems work out.
Thanks! Mike in Oregon |
08-18-2014, 04:51 PM | #14 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Mpls, MN
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Re: Horn, light switch issue
BTW, back in #5 I asked about the bail wire because the light switch has two different length covers and bail wires. My 28 and 29 have the short cover and bail wire.
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08-18-2014, 05:39 PM | #15 |
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Location: So Cal
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Re: Horn, light switch issue
Also don't be surprised if the repro parts need work to make them fit.
Bob |
08-19-2014, 12:15 AM | #16 |
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Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 21
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Re: Horn, light switch issue
If the head lights turn on when making a left turn, check the small split copper sleeve on the light switch shaft just inside the hollow steering gear shaft and just below the horn button. If this split copper sleeve is missing or excessively worn, the light switch shaft will turn with the steering wheel as if you manually turned on the lights.
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08-20-2014, 02:43 PM | #17 | |
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Oregon
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Re: Horn, light switch issue
Quote:
Thanks for the tip, Wrenchy. I'll remember it if I continue to have problems . For now, just cleaning up the switch seems to have solved the problem you describe. |
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08-20-2014, 03:11 PM | #18 |
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Location: FRANKSTON TX
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Re: Horn, light switch issue
Mike, can split copper sleeve under steering wheel be replaced without completely pulling horn tube.
Thanks dana |
08-20-2014, 04:21 PM | #19 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Mpls, MN
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Re: Horn, light switch issue
Yes, just remove the C clip on the bottom end and slide the horn rod up a few inches. The thin sleeve is split and can be slid into place. At least it worked for me.
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08-20-2014, 05:53 PM | #20 |
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Oregon
Posts: 465
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Re: Horn, light switch issue
Thanks Tom.. Here's a link from Snyder's describing the "light rod bushing":
http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/515 |
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