Multiple new ignition switch failures

[super9064]

I give up, I've purchased two new Bosch ignition switches for my 68 911, the OEM one lasted 54 years, the replacments both failed within days. The first would jam leaving the starter engaged, called Pelican customer service, they made me buy a new one, no refund. The second one luckily lasted 3 days till I got home from a three day driving event. I park it in my garage..... turn the key, jams engine won't shut off.

I don't have the time to waste with customer service, I don't even care about the $175.

Do any of you know who can service/repair these early ignitions? Thanks for any help.

[john walker's workshop]

Could it possibly be your starter. I just warranteed a sr68x that the bendix wouldn't return.

[super9064]

Originally Posted by john walker's workshop

Could it possibly be your starter. I just warranteed a sr68x that the bendix wouldn't return.

I don't see how, the switch itself is hanging up as if the internals are not finished properly and is getting caught on burs, it's just not a smooth mechanism not at all like what it replaced. I might also add that the starter was replaced during the restoration and is only a few years old.

[Rodek]

Interesting. My original '78 switch gave up the ghost just last week and my mechanic replaced it with a new switch. It too was faulty. It jammed up in the same way as you're describing. There's another one on order. I hope we're not dealing with a bad production run of ignition switches!

[Nditiz1]

I'm a little confused, I thought the switches were just made by Porsche. I don't recall seeing any "Bosch" markings on them. Regardless did you purchase a genuine Porsche one or another manufacturer, O.E.M., URO. Also I'm not sure what burs would be there since the actual electrical piece turns inside the canister. The mechanical piece with the steering lock is the piece that usually breaks. If you have had a run on won't shut off most likely the "+" at the end of the mechanical part has a crack and on its way out. If that part is stressed it will not disengage the electrical switch portion correctly.

[super9064]

Originally Posted by Nditiz1

I'm a little confused, I thought the switches were just made by Porsche. I don't recall seeing any "Bosch" markings on them. Regardless did you purchase a genuine Porsche one or another manufacturer, O.E.M., URO. Also I'm not sure what burs would be there since the actual electrical piece turns inside the canister. The mechanical piece with the steering lock is the piece that usually breaks. If you have had a run on won't shut off most likely the "+" at the end of the mechanical part has a crack and on its way out. If that part is stressed it will not disengage the electrical switch portion correctly.

Thanks for your response, This is for a 68, it is unique it is much more similar to a 356 than a latter 911, pictured is what I bought, Bosch the company that has supplied almost every electrical part for Porsche MB Audi VW BMW since they started building cars, car makers buy this and most everything from outside vendors. Just because it says Porsche on the box, dosen't mean they manufactured it in house, but they do have higher quality control. Bosch has set up manufacturing in China, make of that what you will.




I'm looking for someone that will repair or refurbish the original ignition

[Nditiz1]

Ah ok Rob so Rodek's 78 issue totally different from yours. You are lucky that your complete ignition switch is not $800+ new. Not sure about those Bosch ones, sounds like a bad run.

[Swordfish II]

Crap, hope my newly replaced ignition switch on my 76 holds up. My old one was definitely bad, I would try to start it sometimes and get nothing.

[super9064]

Originally Posted by Nditiz1

Ah ok Rob so Rodek's 78 issue totally different from yours. You are lucky that your complete ignition switch is not $800+ new. Not sure about those Bosch ones, sounds like a bad run.

Thanks, I agree, I think it is just a bad run. One thing I noticed was that unlike the original, once the key is inserted, you have to push in to turn it. That leads me to believe the internals are completely different.