1982 unmodified CJ8 6 cylinder.

Vehicle would not start with key .. turned out to be the relay.

However before I realized that the relay was the problem I tried to
replace the ignition switch (located on the top of the steering column
-- not the key cylinder), which was actually OK.

Still is OK .. I can connect the original or replacement switch into
the wiring with the two plugs and work them with a screwdriver. Both
switches work this way just as they should in every position.

However when I try to mount either of the switches (the original or
replacement) back into place on the steering column I cannot get the
rod to work the switch down to where it initiates the starter.

I have the original shop manual and have read several consistent posts
about how to correctly mount this switch .. tried everything to no
avail.

The rod from the key cylinder will never push far enough on the switch
to initiate the starter.

Turning the key all the way seems to push the switch into the run
position -- never the start position.

I've tried repositioning the switch in every way possible, including
of course all the way towards the steering wheel. I've even bored
out the mounting holes on one of the switches so I could move it even
closer. No joy.

There does not appear to be anything wrong with the rod movement or
cylinder -- and it was working prior to me removing the switch..

I do not know what else to do, or what else to try.

This means the CJ8 is dead in the water .. so please help, and thanks
......

Mike

Bill,

On Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:41:43 -0800, "L.W.\(Bill\) Hughes III"
<BillHughes (AT) billhughes (DOT) com> wrote:

No, it isn't.

Jeep is in my garage/shop. Issues began when it had failed to start
and I incorrectly diagnosed this switch as the problem .. turned out
to be the starter relay.

But when I tried to reinstall the switch I end up with the
problems/symptoms you have read.

I am actually using the CJ right now by letting the switch hang under
the dash and working it to start/stop the engine with a screwdriver ..
which is also how I know the switch itself is working.

And I now have two switches -- one the original and one a replacement.
I took the replacement and 'reamed out' the bolt holes so I could
adjust this switch even more than the original design. Still no joy.

Not making sense to me ..

Mike

Hi Mike,
Is your steering wheel stuck in the lock position. Like you used your
power steering to jam it up against the curb, before killing your engine?.
God Bless America, Bill O|||||||O
mailto:BillHughes (AT) billhughes (DOT) com
http://www.billhughes.com/jeep_bookmark.htm

<mp (AT) murklagoon (DOT) com> wrote

"L.W.(Bill) Hughes III" <BillHughes (AT) billhughes (DOT) com> wrote


Bill, you are frustrating him. He said three times that he's not removed the
lockset. He's only take the switch off of its mount on the steering column,
now he can't get it back on correctly.

Hi Mike,
Is the lock cylinder removed? Remember there's a T like part of the
Lock assembly that reaches farther into and turns to start, thru the casing
than you can't get to with a screwdriver.
God Bless America, Bill O|||||||O
mailto:BillHughes (AT) billhughes (DOT) com
http://www.billhughes.com/jeep_bookmark.htm

<Mike> wrote

Never frustrated when people try to help me -- Jeff describes the
issue/problem here very succinctly ..

Mike

On Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:49:44 -0700, "Jeff Strickland"
<crwlrjeff (AT) yahoo (DOT) com> wrote:

Bill,

This is what's making me crazy .. I'm trying to put back the actual
switch that came with this CJ8 when I purchased it new back in 1982.
The one that came with it and worked all these years.

The CJ has never been in a shop or worked on by anyone but me which is
why I can be sure.

Important point you make, and that is one thing I can be certain
about. This is the correct switch.

Thanks to everyone for thinking about this ... still trying .....

Mike

On Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:11:55 -0800, "L.W.\(Bill\) Hughes III"
<BillHughes (AT) billhughes (DOT) com> wrote:

Well then Jeff, it would work, if the switch were the right size.
-Bill

"Jeff Strickland" <crwlrjeff (AT) yahoo (DOT) com> wrote