Rebuild Ignition Switch or Otto-Start?

[Polker]

I am not getting anything right away when I turn the key the first time. I turn it a couple of times and it fires right up. Will the otto start cure this or should I send it to Gil this winter for a rebuild?

Thanks

[hrcollinsjr]

Get it rebuilt and then add the Otto start to prolong the life of the rebuilt switch.

Harold

[P.J. Romano]

Will the otto start cure this or should I send it to Gil this winter for a rebuild?
You should do them BOTH. I just did. Unfortunately, too late for my ignition switch that had to be replaced as well.

[Polker]

Could I just get away with a push button and save around $100? My dad had this on his that he drove in the late 70s.

Will the ignition switch continue to make the connection or will it eventually go out?

[wrench459]

Originally Posted by Polker Could I just get away with a push button and save around $100? My dad had this on his that he drove in the late 70s. Will the ignition switch continue to make the connection or will it eventually go out?

Depends on where you pull the current from.
Myself I like the ignition switch (start position) to pull around 200ma max.
then let a relay handle the high current load....
......
......
Humm the starter solenoid can pull over 30 amps though the ign. switch.
Thats the end of the switch its gone,its toast,no more start signal see yeah later on, have a bad day.....

[SpringGT]

Originally Posted by Polker I am not getting anything right away when I turn the key the first time. I turn it a couple of times and it fires right up. Will the otto start cure this or should I send it to Gil this winter for a rebuild? Thanks

Since it runs once started, you are getting juice through the stock switch to the run circuit, so install the Ottostart first. The stock switch will likely handle enough current to operate the Ottostart relay even though it won't budge the starter. You can always get a new switch later if this doesn't work. My stock switch wouldn't run the starter, but it operates the relay fine.
HTH
Bob

[Anonymous D]

Although the switch does eventually work, the pattern
of not starting on the first two tries indicates it is on
its way to a failure mode (due to internal carbon buildup).
Installing a relay (such as Radio Shack #275-226,
which typically sells for about $6), is only a stop-gap
solution that will only delay its eventual failure.
Suggested is to disassemble the steering column
(using a proper customized tool), clean the switch
interior with WD40 or an electrical circuit cleaner,
and then install the relay.

References:
Opel GT Ignition Tips
http://www.opelclub.com/SteeringColumnApr2006.pdf
Electrical System

[Dennis Texas]

Originally Posted by Anonymous D Suggested is to disassemble the steering column (using a proper customized tool), clean the switch interior with WD40 or an electrical circuit cleaner, and then install the relay.

Thats a decent price for the relay but personally I would not use WD 40 on anything electrical at least not on the contact surfaces it has residue ( it is petroleum based and it will also attract dirt, dust, grime whatever is there to be had) try CRC or similar product, contact cleaners etc...I've never taken a switch contact apart but if it has contact blocks even an eraser used to polish the contacts will do wonders, but CRC will remove a lot of the particles in and around the contacts.

[rrossjr]

Originally Posted by Polker I am not getting anything right away when I turn the key the first time. I turn it a couple of times and it fires right up. Will the otto start cure this or should I send it to Gil this winter for a rebuild? Thanks

I just had my switch rebuilt by OGTSource.com. Fast turnaround and great price. You will not be dissapointed. And yes, definitely throw a starter relay in if you don't have one already. The pdf file that Anonymous D referenced is a very handy document. Clear step by step directions with excellent illustrations.
Ron in Indy

[Polker]

I will get it out and clean and get the otto start.

Thanks guys.

Ron, I still don't have the pulley on yet. It will go in with a radiator.

[Polker]

I got the ignition cleaned out thanks to the step by step that Anonymous D put up. I have the relay and will get it in shortly. Thanks to all who responded.

We really don't know how lucky we are to have a resource like this site...