Ignition help (small fire story inside)

[TC00GT]

So after 6 years, I finally got the car running again. I'll keep the story short...

Saturday I tried getting it to start, and the started solenoid was clicking, car would not turn over. So I thought the solenoid was bad. I tried jumping the solenoid to see if that was the problem. Well while the jumper wire was installed, my cousin turned the key to start the car, and the ignition cylinder came out. The motor kept turning over, and we couldn't get it to stop. Finally the jumper wire caught fire. (bad I know). Once the fire was out, I was able to get the cylinder back in. I had this problem with acylinder before, and have replaced it, but it still keeps popping out. Can anyone explain why it keeps popping out? Should I replace the ignition switch itself?

Oh, and it turns out the wire from the starter solenoid to the starter was the problem. I've managed to get the car to start, but the ignition cylinder is still a problem.

one last question, when the car was turning over (not with the jumper wire) the positive side of the starter solenoid would start to smoke after repeated attempts to start. It doesn't do it now because the car starts right up, but I'm guessing that shouldn't happen. What could be the cause of that?

Any thoughts?

 

[mustangdave]

To remove the ig. cyl., you have to insert a paper clip or similar item into the small hole on the face if it and turn the key to the left. I'm not sure but you may have to do the same thing to get it locked back into place. Have u tried this?

Your smoking solenoid was overheating from the constant cranking; might be a good idea to replace it or carry a spare as u probably shortened its life considerably.

 

[dennis112]

Replace the ignition switch. The little tangs that hold the key cylinder in place are damaged. Fairly cheap fix and a less dangerous when you are jumping your selonoid!

 

[TC00GT]

Thanks for the info, I suspected that the ignition switch was the problem. Off to Mustangs unlimited again. And I do keep a spare solenoid with me, and voltage regulator...and points...