I need a switch wired into my clutch pedal or gearbox somehow, so the starter can't engage without the clutch depressed - provincial regulation apparently. I have tried using a switch that engaged when the pedal pushed it, something like those electric brake light switches on Triumphs etc. Well, it shorts out rather easily.

Does anybody have any ideas on a possibly suitable, reliable switch? Remember, there is a quite a bit of juice going through it because it's the starter.

It's the most recent unexpected glitch in my disaster prone build. I almost started a fire today which doesn't bear thinking about further... Thanks!

use a relay. i can draw you a simple diagram if you need it.

Yes please Ash! I really am getting tired of doing one thing, only to have another electrical problem start. Obviously I am over my head.

How many hours would be involved for a professional wiring job on a seven type car, not including the engine (I'm getting someone else to do megasquirt)? Just so I can get an idea of how much I may need to spend.

nstead of using the main feed wire thru the switch, why not use the power feed (low amps) from the fuse box, from your starter button/switch


steve

A microswitch mounted on the bellhousing thats attached to the clutch arm would be easier to install, and easier to maintain.

The micriswitch circuit would engage the relay to close the circuit to the starter. Get a 30A relay, that shold be fine.

The microswitch circuit would be powered by the ignition.

Why not use an old style brake pedal switch, that has a spring to the pedal. Open circuit when the pedal is up, and short circuit when the pedal is depressed. Use it to fire a relay in the pull wire of the starter motor (Not the main Battery feed).

Shouldnt be too hard to do.
Finding the right type of switch and mounting it is the hard bit!

That switch is the kind of thing I was using, but I couldn't get it to operate correctly. I like the idea of using the switch on the bell housing, but I can't do that because I only have arms so long, and can't reach it all at once.

My point above was that all these are great ideas, that I have a lot of difficulty visualising. I need wiring diagrams, and someone else to actually place the device (s) on the vehicle. I keep getting it wrong. Hard to do when all the people that know what i'm talking about are on another continent.