Im fitting two engine start buttons or switches in my 40 seadan, one on the dash in the stock location, one on the firewall. Its a bit of an old school thing that allows you to start the engine from under the hood when you're 'tuning' it. Just wondered if anyone has some ideas about what to use. I bought a push button for it, but its not great, looking for an alternative.
That's a pretty nice setup. I see nothing wrong with that button. I like gauges in the firewall. Thinking about doing it myself and thought about a starter button. And maybe add a kill switch. Wiring for those would be pretty straight forward. But then I got to wondering if it might be possible to wire a whole 'nother ignition switch somehow wired like a 3-way light switch in the house. I am not electrician enough to even start to figure that out. Would it be possible?
Agreed on the kill switch as well. I'm actually a fan of pull type starter switches. It feels more intentional or maybe its cause I grew up flying and old tractors. Just a thought.
For under the hood I would use either a push button or toggle switch that have the rubber covering to keep out moisture and dirt.
Sure, just wire the two switches in parallel. Either switch will start the engine. They are normally open contacts with a momentary contact. They need to be held closed until the engine starts.
I’ve found some ignition wiring that was getting back fed. Couldn’t shut them off. 2 ignition switches might be a problem but 2 starter buttons wouldn’t be. If there’s a starter under the hood for tuning there should be a kill switch for tuning.
Looking for an alternative for looks or function? Always liked these....you can find them with black or chrome button. Made as repops too but not the same look as vintage.
OK! I probably got this all wrong, but let me try. So, I wire from the 12v input of my current ign switch to the input of the 2nd ign switch , then wire from the 2nd switch to the solenoid for start and run a wire from the switch to the coil for ignition. Correct? What if I left the firewall switch on and started the car from the dash? or vice versa? It wouldn't burn anything down?
If you have to turn one switch on to activate the other switch, that would be a series circuit. If 12 volts were run to each switch and no connection from one to he other, that would be parallel. Now you could do parallel from one switch to he other by going from the hot (non switched side) of the switch to the other hot (non switches side). Both switched sides would then go to the start circuit.
@neilswheels You connect from the accessory side of the fuse box to get the 12v feed to a momentary button, then splice to the starter wire at the ignition switch especially if it is Automatic [or direct to the starter solenoid] The momentary button is dead with the Ign switched off Switch the Ignition to Acc and you can "bump" the engine over without the engine starting. Switch the ignition to On and you can start it. I've also used rotary LPG/CNG dual fuel switches on my race cars. Rotate them for On/Off and Push them to Crank. This comes in handy on the "Rare" occasions when I am working under the hood and don't want to leave the ignition switched on [saving the points]
If I understand correctly you will need 2 switches with what your trying to use IF you actually want to start the motor and just not turn it over. You will need the push button momentary switch to energize the starter to turn the motor over and a flip or on-off switch for the ignition. The momentary switch will do nothing but engage the starter and turn the motor over, without a second switch to energize the ignition it won't start. Once it is started and running you will also need the secondary switch to kill the ignition power to stop the motor. My understanding was the under hood push button was used to bump the motor over in order to adjust valves on solid lifter cams and to adjust points.... .
Shipping is only a little rough. https://www.smallfordspares.co.uk/search?query=starter+switch&vehicle= My Morris Minor uses the same switch. There is probably someone selling it for them, or for various Austins, over here. Check the Lucas ST19/2 number on the Google. Mike Edit: BTW my car will turn over without the key. You use that to turn on the ignition. The switch is between the battery and starter. Easy to hotwire is an understatement.
Let's not forget the PURPLE WIRE from starter solenoid to bypass resistor to start. Ignition key 'off', crank the starter and energise the ign. bypass and 'Vroom!... Just momentary, but will start (and run) as long as starter is engaged. Careful out there...
I like stock Ford, but IF you need a 2 pole switch then try a Cole Hersee 9011 If you want to wire a stock Ford switch that's a ground you can run a relay. Both starter switches would work the ground side of the relay coil.
I have one of those solenoids with the push button built in. It works great as long as you make sure the vehicle is not in gear.
That would be my biggest concern. The OP could easily get ahead of himself (mentally), and hit that underhood switch before ensuring neutral trans status. There's room for a disaster in the making here, and needs some precautions engineered into it..........I've gotten ahead of myself on stuff. Roger
I used one of those Cole Hersee ones on my 57. Made it easier to bump the engine over when adjusting the solid roller lifters.
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
I use a weatherproof automotive PB switch. It's mounted through the firewall and the black rubber boot not only protects it from the elements, but helps blend in on my black firewall. I love having a permanent start or cranking switch. $7 on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/AUTOPARTS-En...hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583726553905390&psc=1 As for the concerns about cranking in gear. I hope guys working on their cars using a remote start button that temporarily clips to the solenoid wouldn't start their car in gear? Having one permanently connected shouldn't make it more dangerous. Unless you have problems with your memory either way?
Or mechanics ... The first day I worked for him, the owner of the shop I'd waited half my life to work in taught me to never leave any vehicle in any gear, ever.
I guess I am just too old fashioned for the forum. I still use a remote starter switch, just like a real mechanic. It is a momentary switch with 2 wires and to alligator clips. You clip the wires onto the starter solenoid, then you hold the switch in your hand and push the button to roll the motor over. No extra wiring and if I have someone else's car to tune I am set even if they are not. When I am done I throw it in my tool box or tool bag if I am traveling.
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