clutch switch question
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 99
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From: Iowa Park TX
clutch switch question
I have heard it called a clutch switch or a safety switch, but my question is does it have any adjustment in it? My '70 won't start unless the clutch is literally stomped to the floor, simply pressing it in all the way doesn't work. Is there any adustment in it to where I can release it just a little earlier?
Terrorizing Orange Cones
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,572
Likes: 17
From: Northern CO
Neutral safety switch, I believe is the name.
IIRC, there is some adjustment available but it's the switch bracket itself (shown here with the purple and white striped wire), that moves slightly. Sorry that I don't have a better picture but this gives an idea:
The small link or rod that connects the clutch arm to the switch is a fixed length and wouldn't offer much adjustment, if you bent it. I don't believe that it was designed to be bent but somebody else can offer their .02, if they can help.
IIRC, there is some adjustment available but it's the switch bracket itself (shown here with the purple and white striped wire), that moves slightly. Sorry that I don't have a better picture but this gives an idea:
The small link or rod that connects the clutch arm to the switch is a fixed length and wouldn't offer much adjustment, if you bent it. I don't believe that it was designed to be bent but somebody else can offer their .02, if they can help.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,233
Likes: 657
From: Thunder Bay
Neutral safety switch, I believe is the name.
IIRC, there is some adjustment available but it's the switch bracket itself (shown here with the purple and white striped wire), that moves slightly. Sorry that I don't have a better picture but this gives an idea:
The small link or rod that connects the clutch arm to the switch is a fixed length and wouldn't offer much adjustment, if you bent it. I don't believe that it was designed to be bent but somebody else can offer their .02, if they can help.
IIRC, there is some adjustment available but it's the switch bracket itself (shown here with the purple and white striped wire), that moves slightly. Sorry that I don't have a better picture but this gives an idea:
The small link or rod that connects the clutch arm to the switch is a fixed length and wouldn't offer much adjustment, if you bent it. I don't believe that it was designed to be bent but somebody else can offer their .02, if they can help.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
A lot of people call it a clutch safety switch, for what it's worth.
Worthless until you make a mistake, or you let someone unfamiliar with your car put it into a wall/parked car/baby seal. In areas where you have to have your vehicle inspected, there's going to be at least one person other than you driving it.
Someone almost put my old F250 through their shop window when they started it in first.
Someone almost put my old F250 through their shop window when they started it in first.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,753
Likes: 721
From: Lafayette Louisiana
Yep, it happens!
A lot of people call it a clutch safety switch, for what it's worth.
Worthless until you make a mistake, or you let someone unfamiliar with your car put it into a wall/parked car/baby seal. In areas where you have to have your vehicle inspected, there's going to be at least one person other than you driving it.
Someone almost put my old F250 through their shop window when they started it in first.
Worthless until you make a mistake, or you let someone unfamiliar with your car put it into a wall/parked car/baby seal. In areas where you have to have your vehicle inspected, there's going to be at least one person other than you driving it.
Someone almost put my old F250 through their shop window when they started it in first.
(Lucky no one got hurt)
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 65
From: Wauconda IL
In the close to 40 years I've driven sticks, neither I or anyone I would even consider allowing drive my cars have ever had a 'mistake'.
You depress the clutch anytime you start the car or you ensure the trans in in neural before hitting the key- It's second nature and instinctive, like closing the door or putting on your seat belt.
How do you folks tune your stick cars while working under the hood?
I just reach in and turn the key....
I guess it all comes down to your personal comfort level.
Most cars I drove as a kid had no clutch safety switches anyway.
And I don't wear a helmet to ride my bicycle either..
You depress the clutch anytime you start the car or you ensure the trans in in neural before hitting the key- It's second nature and instinctive, like closing the door or putting on your seat belt.
How do you folks tune your stick cars while working under the hood?
I just reach in and turn the key....
I guess it all comes down to your personal comfort level.
Most cars I drove as a kid had no clutch safety switches anyway.
And I don't wear a helmet to ride my bicycle either..
Last edited by ezobens; Apr 11, 2013 at 09:27 AM.
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,273
Likes: 4,366
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi T7,
I think Dust-up's thought is probably the solution.
The switch is operating but the rod that runs from the clutch pedal arm to the lever on the switch is bent a little too much so it really takes an effort to move the lever far enough to activate the switch.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Nice Work in that picture, Dust!
I think Dust-up's thought is probably the solution.
The switch is operating but the rod that runs from the clutch pedal arm to the lever on the switch is bent a little too much so it really takes an effort to move the lever far enough to activate the switch.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Nice Work in that picture, Dust!
Last edited by Alan 71; Apr 11, 2013 at 08:07 AM.
Terrorizing Orange Cones
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,572
Likes: 17
From: Northern CO
Not like Alan's or several other CF members but then I put as many miles on mine as the weather and opportunities allow, since I completed my frame-on resto.
The suspension used to be the same too and now it has a "patina" from running around the country-side in many kinds of weather.
Thanks Alan. I've always enjoyed your approach too, when you reassembled yours and I wanted to get closer to that style. I appreciate the kind words.
The suspension used to be the same too and now it has a "patina" from running around the country-side in many kinds of weather.
Thanks Alan. I've always enjoyed your approach too, when you reassembled yours and I wanted to get closer to that style. I appreciate the kind words.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 198
From: Meriden CT
I have heard it called a clutch switch or a safety switch, but my question is does it have any adjustment in it? My '70 won't start unless the clutch is literally stomped to the floor, simply pressing it in all the way doesn't work. Is there any adustment in it to where I can release it just a little earlier?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,273
Likes: 4,366
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi drs,
From an OLD post by John Z.
Re: Help with remote starter switch
"If it's the usual pushbutton with two leads on it, one lead goes to the large (battery cable) stud on the starter solenoid, and the other lead goes to the small stud with the purple solenoid wire on it (the "S" terminal)."
Good Luck!
From an OLD post by John Z.
Re: Help with remote starter switch
"If it's the usual pushbutton with two leads on it, one lead goes to the large (battery cable) stud on the starter solenoid, and the other lead goes to the small stud with the purple solenoid wire on it (the "S" terminal)."
Good Luck!
Last edited by Alan 71; Oct 28, 2015 at 06:07 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,066
Likes: 57
Hi drs,
From an OLD post by John Z.
Re: Help with remote starter switch
If it's the usual pushbutton with two leads on it, one lead goes to the large (battery cable) stud on the starter solenoid, and the other lead goes to the small stud with the purple solenoid wire on it (the "S" terminal).
Good Luck!
From an OLD post by John Z.
Re: Help with remote starter switch
If it's the usual pushbutton with two leads on it, one lead goes to the large (battery cable) stud on the starter solenoid, and the other lead goes to the small stud with the purple solenoid wire on it (the "S" terminal).
Good Luck!
I tried doing exactly as you described (one lead on the large solenoid battery terminal, the other on the smaller solenoid terminal).
However, the remote starter would not function. Hence, my inquiry regarding bypassing the clutch safety switch.
Any thoughts on how to do this?
Thank you, again.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,057
Likes: 421
From: BC
Just unplug the connector at the switch and jumper or connect the two wires to the plug on the harness side.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,273
Likes: 4,366
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi drs,
Sorry I'm not enough of an electrician to help.
I'd think what you tried should at least have the engine turn over because you're hooking the source of the 12 volts directly to the solenoid terminal…the remote switch by-passes the entire electrical system in the car.
We REALLY need the former poster 'Roger,' HE knew about all things electrical.
Regards,
Alan
Sorry I'm not enough of an electrician to help.
I'd think what you tried should at least have the engine turn over because you're hooking the source of the 12 volts directly to the solenoid terminal…the remote switch by-passes the entire electrical system in the car.
We REALLY need the former poster 'Roger,' HE knew about all things electrical.
Regards,
Alan