Another Bad Ignition Switch?, Starting woes... Options

[orthobiz]

I have a 2 year old ignition switch. When I first got my car, it had a bad ignition switch which I replaced when I first got the car. I haven't had problems again until this year.

I have a 1974 1.8 liter 914. Occasionally, when I turn the key, the brake lights, etc. go on in the first position, but in the START position, nothing happens. If I turn the key on and off a couple of times it will start the car. It's an intermittent problem. One time I turned it and the starter turned over but the engine wouldn't kick.

It has happened when the car was hot (80 degrees here yesterday and had been running a bit) and when the car is cold.

Is this an ignition switch or could it be a bad starter or solenoid or what?

Thanks,

Paul

[CliffBraun]

I'd say test the wiring when it doesn't work. There is a loose connection, internal to the keyswitch or external.
One solution to this problem (which I've seen on several cars, including a gt clone that just came through the shop) is to just slap a ford relay and a button on the dash. That's waaay better than the shorting the starter with a screwdriver method to get it started. My "stock" starter relay wire was a bit too short and likes to pull off,and this has made it so I never have to go out and get under the car to fix it.

I don't see any reason to replace crap that broke with crap that's going to break, but my car isn't a concours unit, so do what you will.