Triumph Repair: Weber Carb Problem, weber carb, electrical switch

Question
Thanks for the quick response. Our problem seems to be progressing and I was apparently way off base thinking it was the carb.  Within a few days of your response the car stopped running all together. When the key was held in the start position the car would “run”.  As soon as the key was released to the run position, the car stopped. Thinking it might be the coil and condenser, I replaced both last night. Now the car just cranks and never tries to start.  There is 12V across the coil but no spark at the distributor. I’m beginning to suspect the ignition switch. Do you have any suggestions?

Answer
Dan,

There's an electrical switch at the back end of the column lock.  It's not unusual to have them fail with age/disuse.  

Normally the switch is held to the lock by two tiny screws.  Most people don't notice the scews at first and wind up just pulling the switch apart... (don't ask how I know :(   ;).  It is possible to carefully open the switch up and clean the contacts, but be prepared to epoxy the unit back together if the metal ears break off.

What you describe sounds like either a fault in the switch or the wires running from the "on" position to the coil.


Cheers,

Jim