ignition keeps cutting out

[metalho]

Something in the dash is making my ignition cut out. It runs fine until I lift the dash up to bolt it in, and before I even get it in place it cuts out, Im goin nuts!

[Farrell In Vancouver]

Sounds like the wire to the coil is shorting out on the tank some where.

[Mitch//pa]

are the switch terminals touching the tank?

[H. L. Chauvin]

A Wal-Mart Multi-meter with needle, (GE yellow model under $15.00), can save many hours of guessing to check electrical continuity in wires.

If your problem is the switch, in the pop-out switch area, Bratton's catalog indicates a diagram of how to test correct switch continuity with a multi-meter.

Many old wires in the switch's armored cable short out.

Metal wire connectors sometimes ground out on the inside of the gas tank.

Many install electrical tape on the inside of the gas tank to prevent shorts.

Again, a simple multi-meter can save many hours of guess work.

[JBill]

Try wrapping a little electrical tape around the ignition switch poles. They're probably contacting the gas tank.

[Tom Wesenberg]

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Originally Posted by JBill

Try wrapping a little electrical tape around the ignition switch poles. They're probably contacting the gas tank.

I had to bend the terminals to the side so they wouldn't short on the tank. On another repro switch I had to pry away the bent potmetal so I could remove the back and improve the contacts. With the switch in the ON position, the slightest touch of the key would make the contacts not touch.

As far as touching the tank, tape might wear through, and that would be bad if it happened in an intersection, or in the middle of the night. Better be safe and make sure there is clearance.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

I glue a leather patch on the gas tank, right behind the ignition switch, also one on the back of the junction block. Bill W.

[TDO]

This is where you need a fuse , The one that mounts on the starter

[Cockshutt Kid]

I had the same problem, and it nearly drove me crazy. It turned out to be a #^&!# reproduction dash panel. The hole for the pop out ignition switch was deformed and would jamb the switch causing it to not make contact. It worked and tested perfectly on the bench but sometimes worked in the car. A very large tapered punch and a deep socket adjusted it temporarily. I just got a good original today, so another job on the list for winter.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by TDO

This is where you need a fuse , The one that mounts on the starter

Since the switch and wire is on the ground side of the coil, the fuse won't blow with a short.

[metalho]

Combination of the ammeter, keyed ignition, stuck cut-off switch AND GREMLINS! Also timed the truck while we were at it. She's runnin fantastic now, AND I've learned a lot in the process but my God what a pain in the ass lol..............

[1931 flamingo]

IMO the are behind the dash was not one of Henry's brightest ideas. Wires are large and not flexible, replacement ign sw's not made correctly (if you can't afford a pop out), short posts on the ammeters (especially if adding a dash lamp) and tight, tight, tight when trying to tilt back to install. JMO
Paul in CT

Congrats on sticking with it and finding the fix ! ! !

[Skrain]

Originally Posted by metalho

Combination of the ammeter, keyed ignition, stuck cut-off switch AND GREMLINS! Also timed the truck while we were at it. She's runnin fantastic now, AND I've learned a lot in the process but my God what a pain in the ass lol..............

All part of the fun of an 85 year old car!!

[Joe K]

I especially like the repop terminal box (black plastic in center of firewall) with the threaded posts protruding or turning out the back of the box so they eventually wear a hole in the paint on the firewall and short out the system.

Talk about doomed to failure! (original boxes are insulated/covered at this location.)

And this one that might take you DAYS to find with a meter since it's not apparent at all.

Joe K

[green30coupe]

Originally Posted by metalho

Combination of the ammeter, keyed ignition, stuck cut-off switch AND GREMLINS! Also timed the truck while we were at it. She's runnin fantastic now, AND I've learned a lot in the process but my God what a pain in the ass lol..............

Way to stick with it! If it was easy and cheap.....everybody would have one!