Topic: Rebuild electric start switch

[ironrod60]

My electric start switch disintegrated and the spring and pin were lost. I gathered up a hodgepodge of parts together to to attempt a repair. I haven't tried it yet, but after all the work, I found a source for a micro switch that may work. Here's how I did it.


I disassemled the switch.


I gathered misc parts that I thought might work.


I modified this screw and settled on this spring. I used the back off a pen and viola"....


This is the final result.

BUT, I found a micro switch at a company called "mouser". If my "fix" doesn't work, then I go with it.

[tbpmusic]

Yeah, that's an old trick - should work for a while.
But those ball point springs will melt down after a while, they just can't stand up to passing current for a long time.
They don't have to pass a lot of current, but it's not what the spring was designed for , so it takes a toll.

bill2

[ironrod60]

Actually, I used a heavier spring I had lying around. And it does work, but I still think I'll go with the micro switch I found.

[gonzobrian]

Would you post the Mouser part number?  My switch is going out as well.  Also please post an update if you try out the switch.  Thanks.

[ironrod60]

I have not purchased the mouser parts yet. And yes, my mickey mouse repair does work. It turned the motor over real slow,  but I was using a very weak 12v car battery. As soon as I get the bucks together, I'll buy a new battery and see if it works properly.

The mouser #'s are as follows:

Switch: 506-MPA103C04
           
            Here is a link to a page where you can click on a link for the data sheet in PDF format.
            http://www.mouser.com/Search/Refine.aspx?Ntt=506-mpa103c04
            It is 6 pages long and the switch dimensions etc are on page 6. I believe the dimensions are in mm's.

Boot Seal: 506-BPA-1440004

            Link for page with PDF link.
            http://www.mouser.com/Search/Refine.aspx?Ntt=506-bpa1440004
            On that page you will see a link to "Product Drawings".

Be advised that I have not tried this out and have only done a cursory examination of the tolerances. Those data sheets will give you dimensions etc. The only concern I have are the electrical posts on the switch. They are very small and I'm not sure if they are large enough to solder to. The guy who assisted me said the volt and amperage specs looked good, but again, I have not looked at what the original switch is rated at.

They are Alcoswitch/TYCO switches and you can download the catalog from mouser. Page 1532.

Their phone number is 800-346-6873

Catalog download link: http://www.mouser.com/catalogdownload/