Ignition switch losing 1-1.5v

[Nine One One]

I think Neil has knowledge of wiring in a really - he has one on his 912 which fails occasionally!

viewtopic.php?f=27&t=64018&hilit=30+amp+relay

[neilbardsley]

What is said above is all valid, do you have a modern 'hi-torque' starter? if so the relay bypass is essential, and needs to be installed at the starter motor, some of the Japanese/chinese starters have solenoids that take up to 40 amps on the trigger wire. VERY BAD. W

I used to have a relay by the starter on my 356 but it had a fuse. The fuse packed in a couple of times. Once I had to Jack the car up after having lunch in a place in France. I decided to remove it. I might put one back in again. The starter is a regular 6v starter

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[simon james]

My 356 used to be a right tw*t to start.
Still on 6v, slow when cold and when hot it it was like there was a delay between switch and starter. It left me stranded more than once.
The biggest tell-tale was the earths and battery terminals were getting warm.
Fixing was easy. I made New earth straps (I have a roll of the stuff that you cut, tin and drill). The starter I stripped apart and cleaned, including the solenoid which was done with switch cleaner in an aerosol.
The best thing I did though was remove the stupid little master switch, one of those with a green knob that unwinds.
Since then, it whizzes over, hot or cold.
The previous owner said that starting “always was a problem” especially when hot.
She only put up with it for a mere 35 years!
Car was sat all of this winter just gone with battery connected (optima red top) and started right up a few weeks ago without the need for a charge.

[neilbardsley]

The best thing I did though was remove the stupid little master switch, one of those with a green knob that unwinds.

I have already removed the green knob (from the negative battery terminal) from mine as was heating up too and causing issues.

[POR68]

+2 on the green earth isolator. It works too well in isolating and not well enough in connecting. I made up a starter relay for about $15 and fitted it at the starter. Lots of diagrams around. Always good idea with ageing ignition switches.