Parts Availability Issues -- Suggestions?

[spider2081]

I agree with DieselSpider.

I have taken apart a number of Sipea ignition switches. Everyone had burnt starter contacts and I believe they were all from Manual transmission cars. I think the 1974's an maybe some other years as well as all the automatics had a relay between the ignition switch and the starter solenoid. Keep in mind the original switch was pretty good quality as they are now over 35 years old.

I like to see relays in these circuits, Starter, Headlight, windshield wipers, and radiator coolant fan.

Also the wires to the ignition switch sometimes become overheated and brittle on older cars this can occur at the switch on newer cars at the pigtail C31 connector.

[DUCeditor]

The brown wire fix has been done.

Headlights are less of a problem than you might think as the last time I drove the car after dark was probably close to 15 years ago.

But yes, the wiring involved should all be inspected.

The starter engages and disengages perfectly.
The car starts quickly and runs wonderfully IF that red charging system light comes on with the ignition.


Indeed the vehicle is in amazingly good shape all around. Looks great. Runs great. Well, aside from that ignition switch hassle.

A couple of years ago I replaced the gas tank and the top. Got a new boot cover at the same time.

Yup, just that $@*% switch.



-don

[DUCeditor]

A switch has been found. She goes in Monday for the work.



-don

[DieselSpider]

A switch has been found. She goes in Monday for the work.



-don

Good however still consider wiring in a relay to the starter solenoid to reduce the load on the starter contact of the ignition switch which will help ensure a longer service life from it. A starter solenoid can draw more than 10 amps and puts quite a hit on the ignition switch. Mine started great when you jumped the starter solinoid directly for a time however the collateral damage had already been done to the starter solenoid and it eventually failed shortly after installing the 40 amp Optronics relay. I then replaced the starter with a Lifetime reman from Oreily Auto Parts which was in stock locally.

Since taking the load off the ignition switch and putting it through a relay on a fused line off the main lug the starter works as it should getting full current to the solenoid.

Mine is a somewhat daily driver sharing that duty with an Aprilia here in South Western Florida where we have basically year round riding and top down weather.

[DUCeditor]

The Lada switch did the trick. She now starts reliably and is running great.

Alex at AVA packaged the old switch for me with instructions that I should keep it. The Lada, while decent, he told me, is not the quality of the original. It is conceivable that someday I might wish to have the old switch.

In any case I do not foresee issues. The car is used only as a weekend driver and this only during the good seasons, the properly stored away. That has been so for the 25+ years I've had her.

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions!

-don