HI Folks, SENSATIONAL SUNDAY TO YOU! First let me say what a wonderful resource this is. I'm amazed how we did it back in the 70's and 80's? Have a 72 with tilt and tele and located in MO. Bought 3 weeks ago and WE LOVE IT! Turned the key to start it Thurs and heard a click from the key cylinder and did not start. Key was free-wheeling but couldn't turn back enough to remove key. Took apart yesterday to see that the actuator gear hump had come out of the rack notch, so it must have overturned to have that happen. I removed the actuator gear and successfully repositioned it in the rack as it should be. But when I test turned it again as if starting, it overturned again and the same thing happened. I have aligned it again as it should be, but I'm wondering if perhaps the reason it's over-turning is because there is a stop down on the actual ignition switch that might have failed? ALSO, when I initially got to the gear and rack yesterday, there was some loose tin that looked like it had broken off from a tin shield that is supposed to protect the mechanism. Part of the shield was in place, but some was loose and looked like it could have gotten caught in the rack. The rack and gear look good. I don't see a shield listed anywhere for sale, so wondering what others have seen on theirs. Lastly about the shield, it appears if there is a shield, one thing it may do is press in on the circle on the spring to hold in the little part of the spring pressed into the slot on the actuator gear. since part of my shield is missing perhaps that is not stopping the turning. Attached are a couple pics of how things are now including me pointing at what remains of the shield, and a couple pics of the internet showing the parts and correct set up. My questions: 1) Could a stop be failing down on the actual switch down the column? 2) Is there a shield? 3) Anything else I should check / consider. TIA! What a pain but still loving it!



Pointing to what's left of the shield.

Again, my current setup.

From internet, how it should look.

Just showing parts kit available.

 

*UPDATE DING! DING! DING! DING!*



Found the problem! YAY! Last 2 teeth have broken off the actuator, that’s why it rotates too far! (See pics attached). What a relief! Ordered it for $30 and should have Thursday. I would still like to see a pic of that shield bc I know mine is partial. It’s not impacting this issue though!


HI Folks, SENSATIONAL SUNDAY TO YOU! First let me say what a wonderful resource this is. I'm amazed how we did it back in the 70's and 80's? Have a 72 with tilt and tele and located in MO. Bought 3 weeks ago and WE LOVE IT! Turned the key to start it Thurs and heard a click from the key cylinder and did not start. Key was free-wheeling but couldn't turn back enough to remove key. Took apart yesterday to see that the actuator gear hump had come out of the rack notch, so it must have overturned to have that happen. I removed the actuator gear and successfully repositioned it in the rack as it should be. But when I test turned it again as if starting, it overturned again and the same thing happened. I have aligned it again as it should be, but I'm wondering if perhaps the reason it's over-turning is because there is a stop down on the actual ignition switch that might have failed? ALSO, when I initially got to the gear and rack yesterday, there was some loose tin that looked like it had broken off from a tin shield that is supposed to protect the mechanism. Part of the shield was in place, but some was loose and looked like it could have gotten caught in the rack. The rack and gear look good. I don't see a shield listed anywhere for sale, so wondering what others have seen on theirs. Lastly about the shield, it appears if there is a shield, one thing it may do is press in on the circle on the spring to hold in the little part of the spring pressed into the slot on the actuator gear. since part of my shield is missing perhaps that is not stopping the turning. Attached are a couple pics of how things are now including me pointing at what remains of the shield, and a couple pics of the internet showing the parts and correct set up. My questions: 1) Could a stop be failing down on the actual switch down the column? 2) Is there a shield? 3) Anything else I should check / consider. TIA! What a pain but still loving it!



Pointing to what's left of the shield.

Again, my current setup.

From internet, how it should look.

Just showing parts kit available.[/QUOTE]

 

Glad you found it! The shield you are pointing to is actually the turn signal lever shield. On a 72 there should also be a tilt lever shield, but it is missing on yours. It will function fine without it so I wouldn't bother trying to track one down. Your turn signal shield appears properly positioned. The tilt shield goes between the plastic gear and the lever that the tilt lever screws in to. Here is a pic of the tilt lever shield.

https://gmtiltcolumns.com/product/or...ering-columns/

See page 11 here too.

https://www.valleyvettes.ca/technica...3rev22mr09.pdf

 

LeMans Master- Thanks for the reply. Just seeing it today. Thanks, I learned more about the shields since my last post. Thanks for your pics and comments. Decided to send my entire column to Larry Smith in TX who has been rebuilding them for 42 + years with American parts. Should have it back in a week or so. Thanks Again! Dwight