Replacing clutch safety switch

[Jetjock]

Anybody here actually replaced the clutch safety switch instead of bypassing it?

[BigJohn]

Why would you want to do that?

[Mystic ZR-1]

Jumpering out the switch is MUCH easier!

[Jetjock]

Because I want to and I need it for NCRS. It's a safety feature. I did that to my 92 ZR-1 and I've tried to start the engine several times with it in gear and because I hop back and forth between automatic Vettes and manuals.

[XfireZ51]

Anybody here actually replaced the clutch safety switch instead of bypassing it?

I did that on my 84. You really need to take the seat out. It is a HUGE, HUGE
PITA.

[Mystic ZR-1]

Because I want to and I need it for NCRS. It's a safety feature. I did that to my 92 ZR-1 and I've tried to start the engine several times with it in gear and because I hop back and forth between automatic Vettes and manuals.

Roy
Checklist every time!
:dancing

[Jetjock]

Doug, you keep bringing that up. There are no checklists on cars! I've decided to jumper the contacts and when the time comes, just pull the jumper wires out. I won't be driving the car to the NCRS meet and so it will be cold when they go through the items. Should work. It won't work when it gets hot and the trick is to keep it cool and not run it long.

[Dynomite]

I do not know why you are replacing clutch safety except you want to ;)

It sounds like typical starter solenoid to me needs refreshing if in fact it is a no start and especially if the no start happens on a hot engine starter.

[Paul Workman]

I do not know why you are replacing clutch safety except you want to ;)

It sounds like typical starter solenoid to me needs refreshing if in fact it is a no start and especially if the no start happens on a hot engine starter.

THAT WAS MY THOUGHT TOO.

Jet: No start when hot is NOT a safety switch phenomenon. However, that is characteristic of the starter solenoid windings. So, if it is the solenoid is failing, bypassing the clutch safety switch will not be a "work-around" solution to that problem; but a new solenoid will.

[Jetjock]

I understand that but the starter is new. In my experience, limited as it may be, it points to the safety switch. However, I will try it out this weekend and see what happens. This has happened before on my 92 Z. I did replace the starter and the solenoid and it still did it. When I bypassed the safety switch, never did it again. Also, I'm looking at NCRS and it has to work at that point. However, by trailering it down, I avoid that. Besides, I have a set of GSC's and I don't want to drive on them 1000 miles.

It only happened one time but it was a time killer waiting for it to cool down.

[Dynomite]

I understand that but the starter is new. In my experience, limited as it may be, it points to the safety switch. However, I will try it out this weekend and see what happens. This has happened before on my 92 Z. I did replace the starter and the solenoid and it still did it. When I bypassed the safety switch, never did it again. Also, I'm looking at NCRS and it has to work at that point. However, by trailering it down, I avoid that. Besides, I have a set of GSC's and I don't want to drive on them 1000 miles.

It only happened one time but it was a time killer waiting for it to cool down.

Well.....that points to the Clutch Safety Switch............
A New Anomaly on why that would fail only on a Hot Starter :dontknow:
Thanks for the Information :handshak:

[Paul Workman]

Well.....that points to the Clutch Safety Switch............
A New Anomaly on why that would fail only on a Hot Starter :dontknow:
Thanks for the Information :handshak:

Yeah... I'll guess along w/ ya Cliff. This is new/different information. And, too...it could be a "multiple" scenario!

[Jetjock]

When it did happen, I called Gordon and ran through the possible scenarios such as hitting the starter, popping open the gas cap and the theft alarm system reset. Only thing that I could point to is the safety switch. Absolutely nothing happened when I turned the key on. I could not hear the fuel pumps run because I was at a truck stop. I waited an hour and a half and it finally started. Anyway, the previous owner had replaced the starter motor so I was pretty sure that wasn't it.

[KFoster]

Sounds just like what mine does. Hasn't done it since it was hot last year, so I still haven't solved it.

[Paul Workman]

When it did happen, I called Gordon and ran through the possible scenarios such as hitting the starter, popping open the gas cap and the theft alarm system reset. Only thing that I could point to is the safety switch. Absolutely nothing happened when I turned the key on. I could not hear the fuel pumps run because I was at a truck stop. I waited an hour and a half and it finally started. Anyway, the previous owner had replaced the starter motor so I was pretty sure that wasn't it.

Roy, et al, it is usually, BY FAR, less expensive AND time consuming, IF you verify (whatever) part(s) you suspect as bad BEFORE changing it out, and then again after it is installed to verify the replacement part isn't failing right out of the box. ('I replaced (this or that) so that can't be "it"' could be chiseled on many a tombstone!)

Familiarity with (whatever) device is essential, and experience with failure modes can short-cut the step-by-step process of logical progression of verifications.

Without verification, experience alone with (a motor or whatever it is) can be a trap; and sometimes a double-trap!

The issue is assuming. Just because a device was replaced does NOT mean it 1) is working, or 2) was installed w/o causing another issue (e.g. bending a connector pin, or whatever). Now there are TWO issues, making troubleshooting much more difficult. Verification, specifically "before and after" data is essential, if possible, i.e., take readings.

I used to teach troubleshooting techniques, among other things, most of my professional career. So, please don't think I'm being "preachy". I'm not: or at least that isn't my intention. It's just that I feel a certain frustration in my gut when there is a problem and someone presents a litany of "stuff" they've replaced, especially to no avail. I wanna help 'em to end the frustration; theirs AND mine.:p

Paul.

[Mystic ZR-1]

"logical progression of verifications"
WOW! I love it!!!!
:-D :-D :-D

[Paul Workman]

"logical progression of verifications"
WOW! I love it!!!!
:-D :-D :-D

Being "Cherman", I'd expect nothing less from you! :sign10: