starter switch

Post by **silverdorking** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 4:11 pm

Should the starter pull switch on the wife's '60 convertible be 'live when the ignition is not switched on? It suprised me that I could engage the starter without needing ther key. If there's a problem - any idea of the cause?
Thanks Andrew

Post by **Rob_Jennings** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 4:21 pm

That seems logical since the starter switch sit in place of the more modern solenoid that is effectively always 'live' it just that when you turn a key you enable the ignition circuits then send a current to the starter solenoid, but that solenoid is never disconnected from the battery by the key

Just looked at a wire diagram for early models and its correct

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 5:04 pm

Correct - and not very 'safe' - if kids are in the car they can obviously pull it and the car may lunge forward if in gear! You could fit a battery isolator switch (which if hidden is also then an anti-theft device) - or upgrade to the later solenoid and two position ignition switch. Or - as seems to be the fad these days - a solenoid and a large button to press to start the engine!

Post by **alex_holden** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 6:16 pm

bmcecosse wrote:Correct - and not very 'safe' - if kids are in the car they can obviously pull it and the car may lunge forward if in gear! You could fit a battery isolator switch (which if hidden is also then an anti-theft device) - or upgrade to the later solenoid and two position ignition switch. Or - as seems to be the fad these days - a solenoid and a large button to press to start the engine!

I think a neater way to do it would be to fit a solenoid switch and slave it to the existing pull-start switch on the ignition circuit. There would be no visible change in the cabin then.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 7:59 pm

Indeed - good idea - but there seems to be some satisfaction from pressing a large button to start the engine! Conversion kits all over ebay. Not noticed the same interest in 'pull start' kits !

Post by **alex_holden** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 8:30 pm

I must admit I enjoy using the pull start. It seems to impress passengers who have never seen one before!

Post by **AndrewSkinner** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 9:47 pm

I totaly agree!! People are amazed that I have to 'pull' a knob to start the car!!

and thats after the've got over the beauty of these cars and the amazing smell of old leather that hits you when you open the door

I love these cars!!! lol

Post by **Alec** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 10:46 am

Hello all,

push button starters are nothing new of course, 50's and 60's Jaguars used them as did the first Mini, however that being the reverse of the pull switch as it was purely a mechanical switch not a solenoid.

Alec

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 11:06 am

Indeed -all our old Rovers had push button start. Seems to be one of these old-timer things creeping back into modern cars. But who knows - maybe the next new Jag will have a pull-knob start! Somehow, I doubt it.

Post by **Orkney** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 11:12 am

I can remember the floor push start button on my Grans mini - had the choice of that or Grandads marina as a 17th birthday present.
Unwisely chose the marina

Post by **silverdorking** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 1:17 pm

Well thanks all for the reassurance. Although a little less safe perhaps, it has taken me 5 years to notice the problem!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 6:55 pm

If the Marina was an 1800 TC then quite a go-er, until it came to a corner!