Hey guys, still don't have the truck running yet (carb gasket needs replacing), but I have the wiring done and the crank turns by hand so i got a little crazy and hooked up the battery, to see if starter (and wiring) worked.

I expected to see something change on gauges when i turned the key either left or right... but nothing.

The start button works and i was able to crank with starter... with belts on. The oil pressure started rising as I cranked.

But, after I got done and took key out it still cranked when i pressed the start button... lol

So, is it a faulty ignition switch (probably)? I had a different wiring than the schematic showed, and I'm attaching the image to show what I did but I'm pretty sure it's correct.

I disconnected the battery after I was done, I have a feeling it would drain the battery otherwise.

 

That's how they were wired from the factory. The starter button on 48 - 50's grounds the wire coming into it to trigger the solenoid. The ignition key isn't in the circuit at all.

 

So, nothing is wrong? Huh, I guess these trucks are easy to steal then especially since my driver's door doesn't have a lock!? I may have to mod it a bit if that's the case.

 

It would crank the starter, but it wouldn't start without the key.


When the drivers door is closed, You can lock your drivers door, by pulling up on the inside door handle and slide out the passenger side to lock that door with your key.

 

It won't start without the key, but the starter will run anytime you push the starter button.
Mark

 

Ok, that's weird. But looking at the wiring diagram the Red Green wire does go from ignition switch to ignition coil... so yeah, no spark unless in right position.

duh moment, but thanks for the replies!

 

A good reason to leave it out of gear and set that park brake! We have all been programmed that there is a safety switch on the clutch/brake pedal. I could see someone reaching in at a show or something and pushing that button, suddenly the truck lurches forward......

DjS

 

I put a hidden toggle switch in the starter button wire to disable it if I want.

 

Exactly what I was thinking of doing... at some point.

 

Only about 5% of all new cars in the US are manual shift transmissions. Of those able to drive manual shift vehicles, only a tiny percentage know about starter buttons.

The greatest anti-theft device we have is ignorance: No start + no shift = no go.

 

Yes, but it can go wrong too: Man killed because carjacker is mad over manual transmission | abc13.com

 

Plus, of the ones that do know how to drive standard shift vehicles, how many young ones know how to shift a three-on-a-tree?

 

I''m 41 and have never seen one in action, nor do I know how. At car shows I see no clutch...probably something to do with it?

Luckily mine is 3 on the floor. I learned to drive on this truck, and it's been in my grandfather's barn for 25 years. I don't remember the non-synchro double clutch tricks, but I'll figure it out again or do some serious grinding trying!

 

I never bothered to take the key out of my '47 COE wherever I parked it. If someone trying to steal did finally figure out how to get it started, they wouldn't get very far with the 4-speed spur gear transmission.
Mark

 

That is really sad. Let's hope the carjackers crashed and were trapped in the burning vehicle.