When I bump an engine remotely I either disconnect negative wire at the coil (points system) or remove the coil plug wire.
You can remove the button switch from the bracket and mount it in a hole in the firewall, paint it body color and probably never see it. I have used this kit on several cars, does come in handy, like everybody says-- NEUTRAL--https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Painless-Wiring-30201-Hot-Shot-Relay,2360.html?utm_medium=CSEGoogle&utm_source=CSE&utm_campaign=CSEGOOGLE&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1ZmD5azc_gIVaHNvBB31-Qw_EAQYDSABEgIc6vD_BwE
Wow guys, loads of info, I didnt think Id get much. The cars a manual trans, but you're all right, I'd need to make sure. As mentioned, the ignition would have to be on to start it, otherwise it would only turn over. Really like the 'push-pull' switch, not sure i'd be able to reach it from the drivers seat though. It feels horrible, really 'graunchy' when you push it, and the finish is a bit 'cheap', and the lock nut that holds it in is just a pressed piece of thin metal that distorts and jumps threads, so doesn't lock up, generally its a bit rubbish . Thats a nice one. I like the stock switch as well, but was told it wouldn't work in this situation.. I might need a bit more info, Im not any kind of electrician.. Looks like my stock button, but was told it wont work? This would be my preferred choice though.
So is this completely independent of any of the existing starter switch/ignition wiring? Looks like an add in that looks after it self, doesn't need wiring in parallel to the start button in the car..?
The cars a manual trans, but you're all right, I'd need to make sure. As mentioned, the ignition would have to be on to start it, otherwise it would only turn over. Beware of this line of thought. If it is a standard trans, key on or off, the car will move when the starter engages if it is in gear. It may not start, but it will move. .bjb
Yup.....that would work nicely. BUT.....how many vintage manual transmissions have a neutral safety switch? One would have to fab a bracket for switch mounting that would engage the switch ONLY in the neutral position. "firstinsteele, post: 14853219, member: 223138"]LOL. Obvious you folks were not truck drivers, especially old Detroit Engine ones. NEVER LEAVE IT IN GEAR. I learned early on. I NEVER park my Buick in gear. Never. Parking brake applied always when parked. Technically correct though. Better safe than ---. Personally I just use a jumper wire under the hood. And a clip on [jumper] push button switch. But then I learned under a shade tree! Ben[/QUOTE] OK.....and neither of you have EVER made a mistake? (Sure, most a no harm, no foul, but still). We've all read a few stories of deaths, even right here on the HAMB. I'm just sayin' that we're all human, and humans screw the pooch sometimes. Engineer in a little bit of failsafe, at least for the underhood switch, and a person is ahead of the game. Roger
Yeah, my remote clip-on starter button is really handy for setting valves and lining up timing marks, and I am having further thoughts about changing the whole plan for a firewall starter button or switch. I'm not sure I could reach the button and still get a good straight on view of the balancer. I may go with just gauges and leave the starter button out of it. Just keep using my remote.
Guess I'm old fashioned too, as I've got 2 or 3 of those push button switches with alligator clips also, and use them for other cars when I'm setting valves, or need to be under the hood when cranking. I'm amazed at the fear I see posted here concerning starting a car in gear! Detroit didn't have a neutral safety switch for a manual trans car until I think the late 60's or early 70's? Somehow people knew to put the trans in neutral, or push the clutch in!
I don't have a 'button' on the firewall either, (although an older guy had one on his '32 Five window...He demonstrated it at a Hernando's Racing Team meeting. At 15 years of age, I thought it was the coolest thing I'd seen!) But... Like Pork & Beaner, I too was a mechanic, and have 3 of the remote starters with 48" leads and alligator clips. And I never crank 'in gear'. That purple wire gets eliminated from worry as I pull the coil wire before cranking, if so equipped. {No purple bypass wire on flatheads, unless installed with 12 volt system} BTW, my wife's O.T. BMW is a 5 speed, engine won't crank in ANY position, including neutral: Unless clutch is fully depressed. (Good thinking, imao) I saw a remote button advertised, a nice looking handle with a fairing on the end containing a small ammeter, so to check ampere draw when starter is motoring. I thought, 'Hmmm...'
Ah, the screwdriver. That takes me back to the Texaco I worked at in high school. Ignition switch went wonky on the shop truck ('62 Chevy), and just like the cobbler's kids having no shoes, the owner didn't fix it, and we all got accustomed to starting it from under the hood with a screwdriver. Sure enough, one day, it was left in gear. When the night guy went to start it to bring inside, the thing took off downhill. Fortunately the night guy managed to throw himself clear of the thing. The truck smashed into an RV stored behind the station, belonging to the friend of the owner. I was there next day when the RV owner showed up. Man the guy was hot, demanding payment to fix the RV. For some reason he felt the night guy should pay it. My boss told him no, it was his own fault for not fixing the truck, so he would cover the damage. But first, my boss went on, it's time we settled up the matter of 4-year's worth of RV storage fees... Truck was fixed the next day. The guy wound up paying to fix his own RV.
Well, I used to back my ‘42 Ford PU under the carport. I put a roll up door on it. One of those metal covered quick up shelters. A buddy stopped by and wanted to hear how it sounded, FH with about 6 feet of exhaust pipe and no mufflers. I opened the drivers door, turned the key to fire it up. It fired up and lurched into the roll up. I was able to jump in and get it shut off, but did a nice number on the roll up door. Why it was in a forward gear still makes makes me wonder to this day.
Well if a person can't remember to put the car in neutral, he probably wont remember to set the E brake either. After all, a neutral safety switch on a manual trans car isn't "traditional" since they're much later.
Yes, but if a person sets the parking brake, they would probably take the vehicle out of gear. Daily driver automatics have kinda spoiled though, unless you are in a place with a more severe slope. So say the push button does nothing. Might light a memory “oh, need the brake set, let me make sure it’s out of gear”
I still have a nine iron that I used to "jump" the Olds once on the way to the beach top play golf. Rubber grip for insulation, nice long reach between the headers, left a little reminder in the leading edge of the club. I have since replaced my sticks many times, but I will never let loose of that 9. I like to call my Olds a 441, cause that adds up to 9.
Why do you need a neutral safety switch? If you don't turn the ignition on, there's no way the car will start, no matter how long you engage the starter! The car will only jump a bit if in gear, if you are paying attention. And the neutral safety switch for most stick shifts, was a clutch pedal switch, so wouldn't work in this situation.
I would say Kerrynzl has the right idea. Never can tell when some kid at a car show might push the button when you aren't around.
Personally I always used both with manual cars. Most the time when parked on level surfaces I just leave the trans in 1st or reverse, but on a hill I also set the parking brake, and even turn my wheels to the curb as extra safety. To me it's no different with an automatic trans except I leave it in park, and set the E brake. I wouldn't leave a manual trans in neutral and set the E brake on a hill. I've had a few hotrods without a neutral safety switch, both automatics and sticks. I never started either in gear.
You need to make things "idiot proof" these days , even Mechanics can f*** things up. There was a case here in NZ a few years ago where a car was being run up on a rolling road dyno when the mechanic touched a red button on the steering wheel [either curiosity or accidentally] and it locked the transbrake instantly at about 6000 RPM. I heard there was a lot of carnage and insurance companies got involved. Most transbrakes and linelocks have an on/off switch in-series [but this doesn't override "forgetfulness"] This could've easily been avoided with a Latching Relay and a separate "arming" button.
Well, never happened to me, until it did. So many things can run through your mind if it happens, like what if my kid(s) were in front, etc. Not arguing at all (especially since I respect your posts) just hope others can benefit.
The Jalopy Journal
