Johnny G Pipe

Hi, this is my first technical post in the 928 section, and I am sorry I haven't got around to introducing myself yet..the short version is that I bought a 78 (early 79 MY, chassis 0057, manual, non sunroof, single mirror, Sonauto delivered) when on holiday in France - and drove it 2500km home to Scotland.

The car was pretty neglected but described as running well, which is pretty much true - it got me home. I had a few issues, like the exhaust breaking in two, but the main problem was intermittent starting (if you reached up and wobbled the ignition switch it sometimes worked)..and then not at all. I got a few French bump starts..

The car had mismatched keys also, so I bought a good used full matching lock set including ignition w key.

I have stripped the ignition down, and the car starts reliably if I turn the ignition switch with a screwdriver. I fitted the new (used) ignition barrel, and the key turns the barrel all the way, but doesn't turn quite enough of the last turn to switch the starter in.

So - it must be the intermediate cam mechanism connecting the barrel and the ignition switch, do you agree?

If so, can I ask which part I need for a Euro 79MY..it is confusing with all the superceding. Sunset lists this one, but says it is only for 94/95MY?

http://www.sunsetporscheparts.com/oe...he/92834775502

Can I also ask, how easy is the install if it is the cam - there seem to be springs involved, is it straightforward?

Thanks in advance.

Johnny
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Edit:

While I am here - here is the car 5 hours into the trip, in the sunflower fields of the Dordogne 2 weeks ago. It has been (badly) repainted - it was originally, and will be again, 35Y lagoon green.



And here it is today

James Bailey

What often fails is the electrical portion of the ignition switch . When you use the screwdriver you get more throw than was ever designed. But the cam lock connector can ALSO get worn. The later electrical unit has different dimensions and comes with a spacer collar and updated cam...

Alan

What Jim said and <$100 and easy to install (esp with the car stripped down as you have it).

Alan

Johnny G Pipe

OK thanks a lot guys, but sorry can you be clearer about what I need here - so there is an updated ignition switch unit available that comes with the cam lock mechanism? Or do you mean the updated switch has an updated cam inside it?

If so are we talking about 96461301200?

If not can you point me to a p/n or a vendor please? I am not getting anything on a search of the usual Porsche suppliers I use.

Thanks..

James Bailey

plus the kit 928 347 919 00 ....spacer ,screws, and the cam lock...look it up on 928 International website.

Johnny G Pipe

Ok, got it, (finally) thanks. Parts ordered.

Johnny G Pipe

Just to close the loop, I got the parts and they have fixed the problem - I didn't need a new ignition switch (for now..).

The new cam is longer than the one I have removed and has a cross-head end as opposed to a flat head, i.e the portion that engages the ignition switch.

Because it is longer it needs the spacer collar and longer bolts.

I simply pulled out the old cam assembly with a pair of pliers. The original cam had a 2nd plastic cam on a spring fitted in front of it. It looks potentially complicated, but it disassembles and reassembles on to the new metal cam pretty easily.

I wasn't sure how it was all meant to be orientated within the ignition barrel, but after some trial and error it all pieced together and fitted in a way it all seemed happy. This included making sure the steering lock was off (it had clicked on).

Turns out I had 3 problems at once - the old key/ignition tumbler the PO was using was a bodge at best. The new/used key and tumbler is much better.

But, third, it turns out that with the new cam I was at least getting a turn of the starter, but then the electrics would all die with a thunk, seemingly under the load. I traced that to the battery earth lead, which was bravely holding on by one strand of its 1978 multicore

Have replaced that with a new truck-spec 16mm thick earth lead, with covered ends. And now, finally the car starts on the key every time with no issues. Thanks folks.