Starter/Ignition Switch Questions

[Laurence]

Two questions.

(1) The starter/ignition switch (bullet connector type) in my 1965 356SC has 11 socket terminals. One terminal is labeled ' pa'. That terminal has the same diameter as the 50 terminal. What is the ' pa ' terminal?

(2) The internal contact of 50 terminal doesn't always work when I turn the key. The bullet plug has good connection but internally the 50 contact is intermittent. All other internal contacts work fine so far. When I push on the 50 wire/bullet plug the starter motor will fire-up. I guess the extra push helps the meeting. Can the ignition/starter switch internals be be cleaned and/or repaired? I can't find "on the Internet" a discussion about opening late model 356 ignition/starter switches. Or, should I search for a working switch? If searching for working switch becomes necessary, I prefer a switch like the factory-installed switch (11 sockets). Thanks for your replies.

[Les Paul]

Porsche356registry.org - Index page

Do a search here. Best 356 site in the world and well worth it even if you have to register.

[Laurence]

Hello Les. Thanks for the reply.

I see that you are directing me to another group. I'll try there, but they want dues is that correct? I was with the registry group (a free introductory membership). When that expired they wanted $$$$.

I did search the Pelican Parts webpages and 356 forum and didn't find any discussion about opening the starter/ignition switch (for example steps involved, cautionary notes, etc.) and no mention of what the 'pa' terminal is. I found these articles:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/356/356tech_articles.htm

Nothing there helps me do the work that I want to do.

This article is sort of related:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Boxster_Tech/86-ELEC-Ignition_Switch/86-ELEC-Ignition_Switch.htm

Here's a photo of the switch:

TheSamba.com :: VW Classifieds - Porsche 356/911/912 1965 ignition switch

In the second photo the 'pa' terminal is visible.

[Rusty 356]

Laurance, the 356 Registry is just that. It is a great organization and resource. Do yourself a favor and join the group. The website is just a fraction of the benefits you'll get. Great bunch of guys and gals and diehard enthusiasts.
A starter relay may solve your problem if you don't already have one installed.

[id10t]

Best bet would be to get Joe Leoni's electrical docs

Relays are not only the best available, but are Bosch. Wiring is correct DIN color coded. Switch Saving Starter relays (SSr):  The SSr improves starting efficiency by energizing the starter solenoid directly from the battery, prolonging the life o

[Laurence]

Rusty and id10t, I'll study/check into the starter relay suggestion.

In the meantime, does anybody know a person who can repair the innerds of B/C ignition-starter switches? I would like to repair my existing switch before attempting to buy a replacement switch (which Pelican and other vendors offer).


The number 50 terminal on my switch is totally burned out as well as the terminal on sweep arm. I'm trying to find somebody who could repair that burned terminal. Stoddard has the connector repair piece, which looks like this:

http://www.*************/shop/shopexd.asp?id=62731

NLA-613-192-00

I checked to see if Pelican has the connector repair piece and didn't see it (I'll order form Pelican if they do have the repair piece, since they provide this forum to us :-)

[Laurence]

I just talked to Joseph Leoni. It seems from all Googling that I have done that Joseph is an expert in 356 electrical systems. Joe recommends that I talk to a fellow called Tony the Key Man. Tony has a starter relay device. I would prefer to have my existing ignition-starter switch repaired so I'll ask Tony if he can do it. The repair (a burned out 50 terminal) will require somebody with skill and patience and thinks outside the box. Most repair people say, "buy a new one." I would like to repair my existing switch to maintain the historical integrity of my car. There are after-market switches available...Pelican and other vendors have them.

[Laurence]

Anyone aware of a diagram of the component parts of a B/C ignition-starter switch?

[Laurence]

Tony the Key Man (Tony Euganeo) has a 100% satisfactory eBay rating:

EBay Ratings | LockAndKeyID.Com

People on Google say that it is however very difficult to reach him.

[Laurence]

Anybody have an old B/C ignition-starter switch that doesn't work and they don't want or need anymore? I will purchase for a *reasonable* price so that I can practice a repair procedure.

[Laurence]

FYI...today, I reached Tony Euganeo (who has the moniker Tony the Key Man). I am happy to report that he can repair my ignition-starter switch, which the inside number 50 terminal is burned out. I will also purchase his Sure Start Relay (SSR), which lessens the wear and tear on the 50 terminal. I am happy that the old switch can be repaired because I will not need to have two keys on the chain (one for a new switch and one for the doors). Plus, the historical integrity of the car will be maintained.

[id10t]

Originally Posted by Laurence

FYI...today, I reached Tony Euganeo (who has the moniker Tony the Key Man). I am happy to report that he can repair my ignition-starter switch, which the inside number 50 terminal is burned out. I will also purchase his Sure Start Relay (SSR), which lessens the wear and tear on the 50 terminal. I am happy that the old switch can be repaired because I will not need to have two keys on the chain (one for a new switch and one for the doors). Plus, the historical integrity of the car will be maintained.

While you are doing business with Tony, go ahead and have a set of spare keys made - he has the real blanks.

I was able to get a local locksmith to make a set for my Dad one father's day, he had to use a different blank and re-shape it to the correct profile before cutting the set. This is pre-intertoobs ... but the set works.