Ignition Switch Spring

356 Porsche-related discussions and questions.
Message
Author
Lukas van Rooyen
356 Fan
Posts: 76
Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2012 6:58 am
Location: Johannesburg South Africa

Ignition Switch Spring

#1 Post by Lukas van Rooyen »

The Ignition Spring of my 356 C has broken. Just wondering what to do.
Do one get replacement springs?
If so can it be done by someone like me who is not a locksmith.
Is it perhaps better to just buy a new or replacement old Ignition Switch?
Thanks in advance.
Lukas

Dick Weiss
356 Fan
Posts: 4183
Joined: Sun Apr 20, 2008 12:54 am

Re: Ignition Switch Spring

#2 Post by Dick Weiss »

Lucas,

There are 3-different springs in the ignition switch; Which one are you needing? Is the switch apart, or just guessing a spring is broken? I just repaired a switch for an owner in No. Carolina, but the switch's contacts were intermittent electrically for a no-start.

Dick (Where are you located?)

Lukas van Rooyen
356 Fan
Posts: 76
Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2012 6:58 am
Location: Johannesburg South Africa

Re: Ignition Switch Spring

#3 Post by Lukas van Rooyen »

Thanks Dick

Everything in the switch works, it just does not return to it ON position after it was trurned to the complete right to start. So if you leave it there the starter will keep on running with the engine until you manually return the switch to the ON position. Someting that I am sure a spring did for you. No sthe witch is still installed on my car and Iuse it as is but I would like to fix it.
Any advice?

Lukas ( My car is in South Africa. I work abroad so will return there in 3 weeks time for a 14 day vacation.)

User avatar
Doug McDonnell
356 Fan
Posts: 6061
Joined: Sat Apr 05, 2008 8:21 am
Location: Augusta,Michigan

Re: Ignition Switch Spring

#4 Post by Doug McDonnell »

Lukas Do your door locks and ignition use the same key? They are supposed to match on a C. If they do I would try to get your original fixed during a weather related down time if you have them in SA.
1965 356C 2000 BMW 740i Sport 1967 Honda CL77 There is never enough time to do it right, but always enough time to do it over.

Dick Weiss
356 Fan
Posts: 4183
Joined: Sun Apr 20, 2008 12:54 am

Re: Ignition Switch Spring

#5 Post by Dick Weiss »

Lukas,

The "mousetrap" spring (inn the center) is possibly broken, but I've never seen one w/my rebuilds over the years.
Possibly, it may have "jumped" out of location/position and will need a disassembly to verify.


The RHD '59 coupe to which I have access for driving was directly shipped from Germany to So. Africa and came to the USA in 1985
for the 2nd owner; I drive it more than the owner.

Dick

Lukas van Rooyen
356 Fan
Posts: 76
Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2012 6:58 am
Location: Johannesburg South Africa

Re: Ignition Switch Spring

#6 Post by Lukas van Rooyen »

Dick where are you located? Can you email me please. I have a question for you. Thanks.

User avatar
John Hearn
356 Fan
Posts: 627
Joined: Thu Jul 31, 2008 9:26 am
Tag: Porsche is a two sylable word!
Location: Colchester, Great Britain

Re: Ignition Switch Spring

#7 Post by John Hearn »

Dick
I have a '59 Coupe 108707 (RHD) that came from SA.
Have you been in contact with Mike Smith in the UK?
He is compiling details of RHD cars for a book about them.
I can forward your information to him if you have not already been in contact with him.
KTF
John

User avatar
John Clarke
356 Fan
Posts: 2115
Joined: Wed Aug 27, 2008 6:38 am
Location: East Sussex, England
Contact:

Re: Ignition Switch Spring

#8 Post by John Clarke »

Hi John
Don't like going off topic, but we have Mike Smith's very first Porsche 356 !
A 61 B T5 RHD Coupe (115030), hope it gets a mention in the book. We have a very nice large Photo of this car in it's early days. The car also won a photographic competition in the Porsche Post, the PCGB magazine!
Ref the topic Lucas, would it be better to source a replacement switch rather than have it all apart?
Regards Jay
 

User avatar
Mike Wilson
Classifieds Monitor
Posts: 11492
Joined: Tue Apr 15, 2008 4:37 pm
Location: SW Los Angeles

Re: Ignition Switch Spring

#9 Post by Mike Wilson »

Maybe purchase a repro switch to keep the car opersble and send the original switch to Dan Roman in Florida, U.S.A. for repair?

Mike
Mike Wilson
Lomita, CA
'63 B coupe

Dick Weiss
356 Fan
Posts: 4183
Joined: Sun Apr 20, 2008 12:54 am

Re: Ignition Switch Spring

#10 Post by Dick Weiss »

Lukas & John,

The accessable coupe I drive is 105460.
I'd welcome more contacting.

Dick (dweiss356md@fuse.net)

Dick Weiss
356 Fan
Posts: 4183
Joined: Sun Apr 20, 2008 12:54 am

Re: Ignition Switch Spring

#11 Post by Dick Weiss »

Lukas, I forgot to ask--Was there any evidence the switch was pre-worked previously, or not?
I'm in Cincinnati, Ohio USA

Dick

Lukas van Rooyen
356 Fan
Posts: 76
Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2012 6:58 am
Location: Johannesburg South Africa

Re: Ignition Switch Spring

#12 Post by Lukas van Rooyen »

Yes Mike is a great guy. He helped me several times with advice. He also sent me '64 period correct parts to replace some of mine that was not original. He has my Chassis number as well

.The car is standing for long periods as I work in Kuwait and only go home once every 4 months. It is during one of these visits (the last one) that with endless cranking the starter to get the engine going that the switch snapped. I am hoping it is not serious.

Mike can you send me Dan Roman's contact details please.

If the key fits the doors as well I will keep the switch and try and get it repaired. If not I will try and find an replacement or just buy new.

John, John and Dick, why don't you post a pic of you car here.

Mine is the South African Porsche Club Central's 2015 and 2018 Concours champion. Did not compete in 2016 and 2017)

Lukas

Dick Weiss
356 Fan
Posts: 4183
Joined: Sun Apr 20, 2008 12:54 am

Re: Ignition Switch Spring

#13 Post by Dick Weiss »

I'll try to find a total photo in my files, Lukas.

Hugo Karasawa
356 Fan
Posts: 720
Joined: Fri Sep 09, 2016 10:40 pm
Location: Texas

Re: Ignition Switch Spring

#14 Post by Hugo Karasawa »

Lucas,
Dan Romano posted this. There is his contact info.
http://forum.porsche356registry.org/vie ... 19&t=44087

User avatar
Mike Wilson
Classifieds Monitor
Posts: 11492
Joined: Tue Apr 15, 2008 4:37 pm
Location: SW Los Angeles

Re: Ignition Switch Spring

#15 Post by Mike Wilson »

Thanks, Hugo. You beat me to it! Ha!

Dan Roman can be reached at: DRROCKETDAN@gmail.com

Mike
Mike Wilson
Lomita, CA
'63 B coupe

Post Reply