Club 80-90 Forums

complicated little buggers eh?

I had a similar problem over two years which used to drive me bonkers - resolved it by using RAC Homestart to identify problem turned out to be the ignition barrel was not pushed fully into the steering column ( previous owner had replaced it at some stage and managed to damage the stud thing that clicks into place when the barrel is fully pushed on the steering column ) As a consequence the ignition key didn't reach the ignition switch fully enough to turn properly. The RAC left the ignition switch off loose from the steering colmun until I got another barrel. For a day or two I just started the van using the key directly in the switch ( like hotwiring !! ) Got a new barrel from JK for about £50 ( including 2 keys ) fitted straight in now starts eveytime - only real problem was trying to get the lower steering column cover back on straight - what a pain.


Tony

I had a similar problem over two years which used to drive me bonkers - resolved it by using RAC Homestart to identify problem turned out to be the ignition barrel was not pushed fully into the steering column ( previous owner had replaced it at some stage and managed to damage the stud thing that clicks into place when the barrel is fully pushed on the steering column ) As a consequence the ignition key didn't reach the ignition switch fully enough to turn properly. The RAC left the ignition switch off loose from the steering colmun until I got another barrel. For a day or two I just started the van using the key directly in the switch ( like hotwiring !! ) Got a new barrel from JK for about £50 ( including 2 keys ) fitted straight in now starts eveytime - only real problem was trying to get the lower steering column cover back on straight - what a pain.


Tony

Cheers for all the replies guys there are now lots of things for me to check!

It looks like I have found the ideal place for all my present and future T25 problems

Tonight I have wired up the relay so that the solenoid feed gets a good strong 12v without needing to go 2 lengths of the van. It is currently starting a treat but I will have to give it a few days due to the intermittent nature of the problem.

fingers crossed ......

so far so good touch wood.........

I'd go with the ignition switch being on it's way out, had the same problem with both vans I've owned - in fact parcelforce should be bringing me a new ignition switch from Brickwerks today, symptoms are identical sometimes spins like a banshee sometimes just clicks, when it's in a clicky mood try pushing the key up or down or further in as you turn it, on mine I have to kind of lift the key while pushing it in and turning to get the last mm of travel then it starts fine. Mine is 26 years and 150k miles old so it's had a lot of use.

It could well be the switch (something in the wiring is preventing a strong 12v getting to the solenoid). The relay I have fitted has certainly done the trick for the moment but I will certainly investigate the switch if I have any more problems.

odds on its the actual contacts in the ignition switch, or indded the signal wire.

replace the signal wire first, even if only a temp wire thrown down the side of the old one.

oh, and ignore the advice about bushing, you wont have that, its a petrol only thing, so you will not find it, soaked in oil or otherwise!

Well thats one bit of good news. I was not looking forward to investigating an oily bush

Thats not a thought I wanted to envisage.....