The Ford Barn

KenBolton · 07-16-2023, 03:36 PM

Has happened several times with two different repo switches. Won’t make contact to turn the starter, then will several times then won’t. I’ve cleaned, greased with dielectric and replaced and it still happens. How could align the contacts for more surface area?

Bob Bidonde · 07-16-2023, 03:58 PM

This may help you:

Keith True · 07-16-2023, 04:51 PM

I haven't really had any trouble with the repro switches in the last 10 years or so.Couple of things that I have found out though.If you use a firewall insulator your shoe might bottom out before it makes good contact.I stretched out my starter rod,made a world of difference.The biggest thing I found was soft shoes can be a problem.That little pad pushes right up into soft shoe soles.The shoes made for people with foot problems,and issued by the VA are the worst.I have a pair of walking shoes that I have to work hard to push the starter button.Hard soled shoes just need a light push to do the job.

Dave in Petaluma · 07-16-2023, 07:35 PM

Keith, the same is true for aftermarket throttle return springs and soft-soled shoes. After a couple hundred miles, the throttle feels like it's coming through your shoe!

KenBolton · 07-17-2023, 08:38 AM

I appreciate the feedback!

Chuck Sea/Tac · 07-18-2023, 02:57 PM

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The angle of the hole for the push rod has been wrong. I put a large (12”) punch in and change the angle to match the original. That helps push the copper strip at the correct angle.

Marshall V. Daut · 07-18-2023, 06:30 PM

Keith -
Have you considered installing an "Upstart" (or similar name) pull rod system? You by-pass pushing the starter rod with your shoe and simply pull up on the knob connected to the Upstart design. That depresses the starter switch and the starter turns over. The rod runs up next to the steering column on the right side. It's not all that noticeable and is easily removed for originality's sake. 'Might just make life easier for you in your Model A!
Marshall

07-16-2023, 03:36 PM	#1
KenBolton Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Fall Creek, WI Posts: 213	Starter Switch Non-Contact Has happened several times with two different repo switches. Won’t make contact to turn the starter, then will several times then won’t. I’ve cleaned, greased with dielectric and replaced and it still happens. How could align the contacts for more surface area?

07-16-2023, 04:51 PM	#3
Keith True Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Epping N.H. Posts: 2,990	Re: Starter Switch Non-Contact I haven't really had any trouble with the repro switches in the last 10 years or so.Couple of things that I have found out though.If you use a firewall insulator your shoe might bottom out before it makes good contact.I stretched out my starter rod,made a world of difference.The biggest thing I found was soft shoes can be a problem.That little pad pushes right up into soft shoe soles.The shoes made for people with foot problems,and issued by the VA are the worst.I have a pair of walking shoes that I have to work hard to push the starter button.Hard soled shoes just need a light push to do the job.

07-16-2023, 07:35 PM	#4
Dave in Petaluma Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 61	Re: Starter Switch Non-Contact Keith, the same is true for aftermarket throttle return springs and soft-soled shoes. After a couple hundred miles, the throttle feels like it's coming through your shoe!

07-17-2023, 08:38 AM	#5
KenBolton Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Fall Creek, WI Posts: 213	Re: Starter Switch Non-Contact I appreciate the feedback!

07-18-2023, 02:57 PM	#6
Chuck Sea/Tac Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Between Seattle & Tacoma Posts: 2,354	Re: Starter Switch Non-Contact Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) The angle of the hole for the push rod has been wrong. I put a large (12”) punch in and change the angle to match the original. That helps push the copper strip at the correct angle.

07-18-2023, 06:30 PM	#7
Marshall V. Daut Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Davenport, Iowa Posts: 2,112	Re: Starter Switch Non-Contact Keith - Have you considered installing an "Upstart" (or similar name) pull rod system? You by-pass pushing the starter rod with your shoe and simply pull up on the knob connected to the Upstart design. That depresses the starter switch and the starter turns over. The rod runs up next to the steering column on the right side. It's not all that noticeable and is easily removed for originality's sake. 'Might just make life easier for you in your Model A! Marshall