Universal igntion switch hookup

trying to hookup a universal type igntion switch in a '79 tbird, trying to test the engine (351) to see if i can use it in a project of mine. the stock ignition column is a mess in this thing, so i bought a universal one to bypass it,any help would be appreciated!

 

if you just want to test run the motor before you pull it , i wouldn't bother wiring in an ignition switch. just run a hot jumper wire to the ignition and then jump the starter solenoid.... short piece of wire from the battery lug to the S terminal

 

That's an Idea!

 

It doesn't take much to see if it will run!

That will save you a lot of time!

 

Trying to do the same thing, as soon as I let go of the switch engine dies. If I keep it cranking runs great. Are there any basic wiring diagrams out there? From batt, to switch to solenoid to starter, to coil? Im bad with ignitions , Thanks so much


*addition* No mater were I put the ignition wire on the switch, the starter keeps spinnin'

 

That sounds like you might have a bad switch or the wires are touching each other on the back of the switch.

The engine going dead when you quit cranking sounds like you might have a bad ballast resistor or again the switch might be bad.

Do as 36Threewindow suggested to Studnuts and run a wire from the + side of the battery or the end of the battery cable that hooks to the solenoid and then jump the solenoid to crank the engine. Make sure that the car is in neutral if it is a stick or park or neutral if it is an automatic though as you don't want to get run over by your own car.

I keep a 3ft or so long wire with an alligator clip on each end just as a jumper to hook from the battery to the coil on engines I'm trying to start without an igniton switch.

 

The thing is.. I have no Ballast resistor. Its a 58 ford with a transplant 65 tbird 390. The wiring is "Ghetto". It had a Universal ignition switch and I switched it out for another one, so I could run acc. It starts when I turn the key but as soon as I let go it kills everything. Im hoping to find a simple diagram that keeps the connection closed to the coil. its 12 v.

It ran when I got it, as far as ignition goes. The head gaskets where blown and all water plugs where gone, but it started. I think Im missing a wire on the solenoid..not sure

 

Thanks 440. Thats great info. Now Im not gonna get any work done and obssess over my wiring - ;-D I was thinking about a new thread, but being a NewB made me decide otherwise :-D

 

Fixed it - Didnt have constant voltage to the switch.

 

ran a hot lead from the battery to coil,jumped the soleniod on the fenderwell, soleniod clicks, no response from starter,i'm thinking the starrter motor seized from sitting