Ignition Barrel Spring Gone.

[davemar 16]

The spring in my ignition barrel has gone, so when I start the engine the switch remains in the start position and doesn't spring back to the running position. So I have to manually turned it back a notch or the starter keeps going after it starts. Just having a rummage on eBay, and replacement barrels seem quite expensive, plus the hassle of an extra key. So I'm pondering wiring in a separate start button, has anyone tried this?

 

Also what damage can be done if the start keeps spinning when the engine is running? I accidently did it this morning for a minute or so, wondering what the noise was before realising.

[welshpug 1,666]

if the lock itself is ok you might be able to swap the bits to a donor barrel to retain the key.

[lagonda 42]

Regarding starter remaing spinning/engaged with engine running; very little damage likely, provided you don't make a habit of it. Once running, the engine rpm will be much higher than starting rpm, so the engine will be "driving" the starter. That would be bad, but the starter has a freewheel arrangement, so that all you're driving is the starter pinion.