ignition switch

today while i had one of my engines running the ignition key got hot and smoke came out of the switch, i turned everything off and pulled the dash panel. the wires and back of switch were all cool, i restarted the engine and it was fine, i assume this means the ign switch must be u,s or has something loose inside. just want some advice , should i just replace the switch or look further into the wiring.

 

it sounds like poor contacts, I would try spray wd40 or crc in

 

thanks dean, i will give it a squirt tomorrow

 

I would also clean any contancts you can and snug up any screws in the ignition key

 

Replace the switch, as there's no explanation for the heat and smoke other then fried components. Spraying an electrically conductive material into the switch, like WD-40 is just showing why electricians get paid well. WD-40 and similar products burn quite well, so have a fire extinguisher handy.

 

THAT is not at all true this is what these products are for IGNITION componants

 

so do you blokes think its just the switch, i guess the wires behind would have been hot if it was the loom. also i have got the alternator wired up with out an exciter light, there isn't one on the dash panels, i always thought exciter circuits had to have a light but on the diagram it shows it as an option. is that normal for chrysler alternators.

 

Incorrect, WD-40 is a water dispersant (hence the WD) and penetrating oil. It was designed for NASA as a water dispersant for use in space on satellites and manned flights. It failed their tests but caught on for use around the house and now is a popular penetrating oil. It shouldn't be around any ignition system, unless you want shorts. It's also used as a starter fluid on diesels! So, please get a grip and know the products you're recommending.

Don't know Whitepointer, but connection issues at the back of the switch wouldn't cause smoke to come out of the switch, so I'm assuming internal problems. I've always thought exciter circuits needed some resistance, which could be a light, maybe a diode. Personally, I'd scrap all that stuff and go with a one wire, internal regulator alternator.

 

Quite right PAR I have seen many igniton switches go up in flames when WD40 had been squirted in...often the switch can be replaced without the key barrel but if its a simple key it will be the lot ....hey replace both if they are the same age ..

 

It would be possible to pull the cylinder and replace the switch. I'm not sure of what type of ignition switch you have, but replacing the key cylinder isn't difficult and on some, all you need is a paper clip to remove it.

 

Is it true WD 40 is made out of whale oil? Someone told me that but didn't quite beleive it. I did not ask further question as I might embarrass him.

 

thanks for all the replys, i am going to replace all 4 key switchs as they would all be the same age.

 

WD40 is mainly kerosene and 10W oil. It was designed by a NASA contractor in California to keep castings from rusting. They were shipping them from California to Florida and were getting surface rust on the way. If it is sprayed on a hot contact it will burn. There is no whale in it.

 

Thanks Gonzo. Now I know it is a whale story.

 

WD40 stands for "Water Displacement 40th formula"