The Ford Barn

Darrell Kinnan · 08-27-2017, 04:30 PM

Found a hairline crack in the bakelite on the back of a 36 ignition switch. Crack is noticeable on the inside but not on the outside. Apparently the two screws that hold the bakelite and the two brass posts in place were tightened too tight. Would this cause some ignition problems I'm having?
DK

VeryTangled · 08-27-2017, 05:15 PM

Hi Everyone, Here's some more on DK's issue. Sorry but I'll have to stay out of the cracked ignition switch question.

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=227495

Init1 · 08-27-2017, 05:17 PM

You could test the switch. Bypass it and see if your engine runs better.
That part of the switch with the posts is repopped. And so is the little switch part. The metal enclosure is not.
Maybe replacing the switch would be prudent anyway.

Lawson Cox · 08-27-2017, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Init1

You could test the switch. Bypass it and see if your engine runs better.
That part of the switch with the posts is repopped. And so is the little switch part. The metal enclosure is not.
Maybe replacing the switch would be prudent anyway.

Yes, but use as original, as repo switches aren't much good.

Ken/Alabama · 08-28-2017, 12:15 AM

What Lawson said !! Bought one for a 40 a few years back. I could have done better with a beer can after a twelve pack !!��

Seth Swoboda · 08-28-2017, 09:08 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I once had a problem with an ignition switch in a '46 coupe. It's been a few years ago (I was 16-17 and 37 years old now) and I can't remember the symptoms or how I found it but when I replaced the switch all was well again.

Is there a way you can test the switch while it in the car with a voltmeter?

carguybill · 08-28-2017, 11:25 AM

" Is there a way you can test the switch while it in the car with a voltmeter?"

I tested mine by measuring the voltage to ground on both sides of the switch with the switch in the on position. There should be no perceptible difference in the voltage readings. If there is then there is resistance across the switch and repair or replacement is needed.

In my case I measured 6+ volts on one side and less than 4 volts on the other side.

Seth Swoboda · 08-28-2017, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carguybill

" Is there a way you can test the switch while it in the car with a voltmeter?"

I tested mine by measuring the voltage to ground on both sides of the switch with the switch in the on position. There should be no perceptible difference in the voltage readings. If there is then there is resistance across the switch and repair or replacement is needed.

In my case I measured 6+ volts on one side and less than 4 volts on the other side.

Thank you!

08-27-2017, 04:30 PM	#1
Darrell Kinnan Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Beulah, Michigan Posts: 24	Hairline crack on back of ignition switch Found a hairline crack in the bakelite on the back of a 36 ignition switch. Crack is noticeable on the inside but not on the outside. Apparently the two screws that hold the bakelite and the two brass posts in place were tightened too tight. Would this cause some ignition problems I'm having? DK

08-27-2017, 05:15 PM	#2
VeryTangled Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: (Not far enough...) Outside of DC Posts: 3,387	Re: Hairline crack on back of ignition switch Hi Everyone, Here's some more on DK's issue. Sorry but I'll have to stay out of the cracked ignition switch question. https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=227495 __________________ -Jeff H Have you thought about supporting the Early Ford V-8 Foundation Museum?

08-27-2017, 05:17 PM	#3
Init1 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon City, Oregon Posts: 208	Re: Hairline crack on back of ignition switch You could test the switch. Bypass it and see if your engine runs better. That part of the switch with the posts is repopped. And so is the little switch part. The metal enclosure is not. Maybe replacing the switch would be prudent anyway.

08-28-2017, 12:15 AM	#5
Ken/Alabama Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 3,257	Re: Hairline crack on back of ignition switch What Lawson said !! Bought one for a 40 a few years back. I could have done better with a beer can after a twelve pack !!��

08-28-2017, 09:08 AM	#6
Seth Swoboda Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern Illinois Posts: 3,787	Re: Hairline crack on back of ignition switch Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I once had a problem with an ignition switch in a '46 coupe. It's been a few years ago (I was 16-17 and 37 years old now) and I can't remember the symptoms or how I found it but when I replaced the switch all was well again. Is there a way you can test the switch while it in the car with a voltmeter?

08-28-2017, 11:25 AM	#7
carguybill Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Coshocton Ohio Posts: 168	Re: Hairline crack on back of ignition switch " Is there a way you can test the switch while it in the car with a voltmeter?" I tested mine by measuring the voltage to ground on both sides of the switch with the switch in the on position. There should be no perceptible difference in the voltage readings. If there is then there is resistance across the switch and repair or replacement is needed. In my case I measured 6+ volts on one side and less than 4 volts on the other side.