New Owner with a ignition switch problem

[tirwin]

Hi, folks -

Been lurking for the last month or so. Been reading some tips and tricks and have found this forum to be a wealth of information.

Here is the obligatory picture of my new girl:



Details:

• 1983 911 SC Coupe
• Black on black
• 65k miles
• Lots of original components (radio, mats, etc.)
• H4 headlight upgrade
• Terbatrol oil cooler with fan
• Oil fed tensioner upgrade
• New tires
• No spoiler

I have just replaced the turn signal switch and harness and put on a new MOMO Competition steering wheel.

There are a few things that need some attention (aren't there always?).

First thing on the list is there is a problem with the ignition switch. When the mechanical portion and the electrical portion are together, the key doesn't want to turn over far enough to start the car. When the electrical portion and the mechanical portion are separated, I can use a screwdriver to start the ignition with no problems. That seems to eliminate the switch is the issue. When the two are separated, I have no problems turning the key all the way to the right. It seems that the two aren't happy when you put them together. All keys look in good shape -- no detectable signs of wear.

I know it's common for the tumbler portion to fail. I've read that you can use something like Tri Flow to rejuvenate the lock a bit. The thing is I don't want to get in a situation where I am stranded one day because it got fickle again. Is there something else I can try? Or is it just time to bite the bullet and buy a new lock assembly? If I get the assembly is there any way I can order it to match my existing key or will I have to take all the other locks out and have them re-keyed?

Thanks very much in advance!

[Joe Bob]

Assuming you have the entire assembly out......I would recommend taking it to a PRO locksmith. The full unit is $677 from our host.

Most of the fix is labor.....a good locksmith should be able to fix what you have.

It sounds like you have already read the threads on the r&r.....the smith will clean up the tumblers, assemble it and cut a nice smooth key.

You can get a used lock mechanism from the salvage yards if yours is too far gone. Key it to your doors. Having teo keys, sucks.

I don't see new tumblers sold new on Pelican. But I would call them just to make sure. The search function for new parts has failed me more than once.

[-84 Carrera]

I had the same problem two years ago. The switch has a feature which will prevent you from turning the starter over when the motor is running. If you take the switch apart you will find a small spring loaded pin that is supposed to interact with a turning disc. If the disc has too much free play you can end up with a situation where the ignition will come on, but the starter will never engage. At the time I couldn't afford a new ignition switch since it meant replacing the whole assembly including the steering lock, so I simply removed the small spring loaded pin.

Regards

Claes

[tirwin]

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

Assuming you have the entire assembly out......I would recommend taking it to a PRO locksmith. The full unit is $677 from our host.

Most of the fix is labor.....a good locksmith should be able to fix what you have.

It sounds like you have already read the threads on the r&r.....the smith will clean up the tumblers, assemble it and cut a nice smooth key.

You can get a used lock mechanism from the salvage yards if yours is too far gone. Key it to your doors. Having teo keys, sucks.

I don't see new tumblers sold new on Pelican. But I would call them just to make sure. The search function for new parts has failed me more than once.

Thanks, Joe Bob. I think that's sage advice. I am going to investigate -84 Carrera's suggestion about the spring and the disc to see if that might be part of the issue.

I didn't see new tumblers on Pelican either, so I will call just to double-check.