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Old 06-29-2016, 07:10 AM   #1
Hioridge
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Default Bypass ignition switch

Can anyone tell me how I can bypass the ignition switch on a Model A?
I'm trying to help someone who is not very mechanical get an A started up.
The car has not been started in about 5 years. When I turn the switch on with the key they gave me, there is no click, the key just turns. No spark from the coil. Ideas?
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Old 06-29-2016, 07:22 AM   #2
Kurt in NJ
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Default Re: Bypass ignition switch

With the stock original "popout" ignition switch when you turn the key the lock po[ps out and turns the ignition on, when it is off the ignition is shorted so the car can't be hotwired

many cars have been modified with replacement switches that just turn, some don't feel like much happens

since the car has been sitting most likely the points are oxidized, need to be cleaned---sometimes just scraping with pocketknife----diamond nail file, sdandpaper---if you move the points with screwdriver with ignition on there should be sparks---both at the points, and coil wire

in an originally wired model A the ignition switch is wired between the points and coil, the coil gets power all the time
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Old 06-29-2016, 07:38 AM   #3
Tom Wesenberg
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Default Re: Bypass ignition switch

What Kurt said!

I'd start by stopping the engine with the points open, then turn the key on and see if you have 6 volts at the movable points contact, then short the points with a screwdriver blade, and each time you remove the screwdriver you should have a spark out the coil wire held 1/4" from a head nut.

As Kurt said, most likely just needs the oxidation cleaned off the points.
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Old 06-29-2016, 07:48 AM   #4
H. L. Chauvin
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Default Re: Bypass ignition switch

Hi Hioridge,

Just in case reply suggestions #2 & #3 above will not allow this Model A to start:

Sometimes, in trying to help someone not very mechanically inclined, (and many times, perhaps not very electrically inclined), to avoid having unknown loose wires and sparks around a dash mounted Model A fuel tank ......... Question: Is he a good friend, (maybe next door to your house), that you really care about? .......... or not really?

Not trying to be funny .... but if it is the switch that is not functioning & if it were me, (with a non-mechanically inclined friend), I would call Bratton's to order a number "16320" temporary Model A replacement ignition switch for about $20.00 that may save your friend's Model A, his family, and his house.

The cheep-cheep-cheep make-do route can often times do more harm than good.

My second son's wife's parents' house burned to the ground last night ..... apologies for being abrupt, but I am sort of in a "Life Safety Mood" this morning.

Last edited by H. L. Chauvin; 06-29-2016 at 07:54 AM. Reason: typo
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Old 06-29-2016, 07:55 AM   #5
Mitch//pa
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Default Re: Bypass ignition switch

Henry
I'm very sorry to hear that but I am glad they are safe
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Old 06-29-2016, 07:59 AM   #6
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Default Re: Bypass ignition switch

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If it ran 5 yrs ago, your switch is good. Just give it a chance and it will start.
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Old 06-29-2016, 08:01 AM   #7
H. L. Chauvin
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Default Re: Bypass ignition switch

Thanks Mitch ..... they are all safe ...... the house was insured ..... but as usual, lives can never be replaced .... so we need to be thankful that it could be lots worse.
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Old 06-29-2016, 09:24 AM   #8
BILL WILLIAMSON
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Default Re: Bypass ignition switch

Sometimes, ignition switch contacts can be "CLEANED", by turning the switch OFF & ON, about 37 times.
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Old 06-29-2016, 10:26 AM   #9
captndan
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Default Re: Bypass ignition switch

For the price and security of a new one "I ain't cleanning no switch".
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Old 06-29-2016, 12:35 PM   #10
Russ/40
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Default Re: Bypass ignition switch

I would appreciate it if someone would answer the question. It is a pain to remove a popout switch. So, does that mean to pop out the switch so the ignition is not shorted, then jump the ignition from where?
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Old 06-29-2016, 12:38 PM   #11
Mitch//pa
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Default Re: Bypass ignition switch

Quote:
Originally Posted by captndan View Post
For the price and security of a new one "I ain't cleanning no switch".
Me either...
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Old 06-29-2016, 12:45 PM   #12
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Default Re: Bypass ignition switch

Quote:
Originally Posted by Russ/40 View Post
I would appreciate it if someone would answer the question. It is a pain to remove a popout switch. So, does that mean to pop out the switch so the ignition is not shorted, then jump the ignition from where?
Instructions are here:

http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/em...gnition-jumper

Click on "installation instructions"

Quote:
A-11576 EMERGENCY IGNITION JUMPER

#1 Remove existing ignition cable from the base of the distributor and thread in the emergency jumper cable.

#2 Remove the red wire from the coil that runs to the ignition switch. Clip emergency jumper cable to the post on the coil where you just removed the red wire.

You NOW have voltage flowing to the distributor so the car is ready to start and drive. When you stop the car, simply remove the clip that is hooked to the ignition coil. Failing to remove this clip when you stop the car can result in damage to your ignition points and will drain the battery.

Snyder’s Antique Auto Parts ◊ 12925 Woodworth Road, New Springfield, OH 44443 ◊ 330-549-5313
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Old 06-29-2016, 12:49 PM   #13
SeaSlugs
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Default Re: Bypass ignition switch

Quote:
Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON View Post
Sometimes, ignition switch contacts can be "CLEANED", by turning the switch OFF & ON, about 37 times.
Bill Easy
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Old 06-29-2016, 12:51 PM   #14
Tom Wesenberg
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Default Re: Bypass ignition switch

Quote:
Originally Posted by Russ/40 View Post
I would appreciate it if someone would answer the question. It is a pain to remove a popout switch. So, does that mean to pop out the switch so the ignition is not shorted, then jump the ignition from where?
First, do you have an original popout installed?

If you do then you'd want to drain the coolant and remove the cylinder head clamp nut, then remove the screw on the side of the head that locks the distributor in place. Lift the distributor out and unscrew the popout cable by spinning the distributor. Now you can set the cable to the side and screw in the jumper cable and clip the wire to the + post on the coil. This is for an emergency to get home.

If you are going to replace the switch then you'll have to remove the 4 screws and pull the instrument panel forward, then remove the screws locking the switch to the panel.
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Old 06-29-2016, 08:04 PM   #15
Bruce,Upstate NY
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Default Re: Bypass ignition switch

For an emergency "get home" you can use a T coil, hooking into the center of the distributor cap. Bypasses everything that can go wrong.
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Old 06-30-2016, 12:25 AM   #16
Russ/40
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Default Re: Bypass ignition switch

Thanks Tom, I was hoping there was a tool free way without detaching the popout cable from the distributor.

Bruce, I dont know the first thing about T coils.
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Old 06-30-2016, 05:30 AM   #17
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Default Re: Bypass ignition switch

i got a question , may get abuse and ridicule, may be others who want to ask but can't take the heat so i will , so here goes .....What exactly POPS out of this ignition switch, How exactly does this device function? Gulp
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Old 06-30-2016, 06:25 AM   #18
Benson
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Default Re: Bypass ignition switch

Russ,

Draining coolant as mentioned will save having coolant in the oil pan and damaging the bearings ... some heads will leak even when removing the nut for 5 minutes.


Also it it very important to remove the ground cable from the battery, if there is no fuse, BEFORE unscrewing the speedometer panel. Many cars have frayed insulation and bare wires behind the panel and a fire is very likely when the wires short out on the gas tank.

Last edited by Benson; 06-30-2016 at 06:33 AM.
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Old 06-30-2016, 06:53 AM   #19
Kurt in NJ
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Default Re: Bypass ignition switch

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i got a question , may get abuse and ridicule, may be others who want to ask but can't take the heat so i will , so here goes .....What exactly POPS out of this ignition switch, How exactly does this device function? Gulp
the entire lock cylinder unit upon turning the key "pops out' ---this movement operates the "switch" changing the connection of the wire coming up the armored cable from a ground to a connection with the wire coming from the coil enabling the car to make spark

as soon as it pops out the key can be removed, to shut car off all that is done is to push it in
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Old 06-30-2016, 11:24 AM   #20
canadian
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Default Re: Bypass ignition switch

hey Kurt thanks for the simple explaination,
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