Just when I thought I was ready to start it, I find out the ignition switch is toast! I was planning on trying to start up the blown S5 13B I stuck into my '85 GS Saturday, but it looks like it'll have to wait. I'm trying to fix it, but so far no luck. I cleaned it up, cleaned all the contacts, re-greased everything (dielectric grease on the contacts) and put it together. It operates a lot smoother, and some of the contacts work, but not all of them. AutoZone says they can have one here by Tuesday, so I'll run up there tomorrow and order that, and keep working on this one. Rats.

Rich

 

Since you're so frustrated, here's a couple of ideas to try....

What would happen if you built up the contacts with a little solder?.....

Re-assemble it, turn the key to "on" and jump the starter with a screwdriver?.....

Hot wire the bare wires - there's only so many possible combinations....

I know how it is to get so close to something then get bent over and raped. Its a real **** off, especially if you're impatient by nature as I am.

You got the weekend to play, so no harm in trying the above...good luck!

And just an idea - the dialetric grease - I know it says it promotes good contact (cause I have some too), but I've read a few threads where people have said it INSULATES against contact...don't know - just throwing it out there.

 

I think Whanrow is correct about the dialectric grease, it insulates against contact. You can pick up a can of Contact Cleaner (electrical) at Autozone for about $5.00 and that is what I would recommend. Good luck with it.

 

Well, I've always thought that this is exactly what dielectric grease is for. I did some searching, and didn't find anything "authoritative", but this is representative of what I did find (this is from a forum called Galaxie Mailing List: http://lists.twistedpair.ca/pipermai...ly/025144.html)

"Pete reminded all of us of a very handy trick. Use dielectric grease on all
your electrical connectors. Our cars are 27-43 yrs old and unless you live in
Arizona or Death Valley, or are lucky enough to have a climate controlled
garage, moisture is out there and if you drive your car, things will in time
corrode and cause trouble. Dielectric grease will block out moisture but not
block the flow of electricity. If you've never heard of the stuff, ask for it
at the parts counter. I've also seen it called "tune-up" grease. Don't just
use bearing grease. It's not the same at all. I use it on light bulb contacts
and put some into the tiny boot that surrounds many different wiring harness
connectors. Just clean 'em up first with fine sandpaper, crocus cloth, or an
emery board. Your electrical system will love you for it."

I'll keep using it.

Rich

 

"Dielectric" means it insulates. The reason one uses it on contacts is to create moisture and air resistance around the contacts to prevent corrosion without creating a spurious electrical path. The actual electrical path is the proper one created thru intimate mechanical contact. It pays to shoot some "Contact cleaner" on things to promote that mechanical contact. CC is a solvent for corrosion.

 

Did some more reading on this. Found a site that recommends using it when you change your spark plugs. However, they say NOT to use it on the threads of the spark plug because it will insulate it and interfere with the grounding of the plug. Its primary use is to prevent corrosion on electrical contacts. Keep in mind though, if it DID conduct electricity then the grease would create a path for the electricity to follow other than the specified path. It's all kind of contradictory though, so who knows? I would just clean your stuff up with that contact cleaner and see if it helps...

 

Yes, contact cleaner is wonderful stuff for switches, variable resistors and any moving electrical connection...when you can't get to the contacts. When you can, it's better to clean up the contacts with some fine sandpaper or emory cloth (as I've done), or even a hard eraser (we used to use hard erasers to clean up brushes and commutators when I was racing R/C cars). One of the problems I have is that one of the ring-shaped sliding contacts has a small pit in it where it contacts one of the terminals, plus the terminals have worn down over the years. I'm still trying to fix it (I love doing this kind of thing), but have a new one on order.

Rich