Ignition Switch Question

gbarber

Member
Jan 26, 2004
158
0
17
delaware, ohio
I have searched the forum for the answer to my question and I think I have it figured out, but I want to be sure before I dive further into rewiring my ignition.
I have a '66, and I recently added an MSD 6AL. Everything works fine once the engine is started, but getting it to start is difficult. I wired the keyed 12volt source of the MSD box to the threaded stud on the back side of the ignition switch. I now realize that my switch cuts power to that stud when the switch is turned to the start position, and therefore I have no spark while cranking the starter. The engine starts fine if I put the switch in the run position and use a remote starter switch between the solenoid and the battery.
Is this the way all '66 igniton switches work (power is cut to the stud while in the start position), or is there a problem with my switch? If the switch is supposed to cut the power, I'll just find another keyed source.
 
This is a problem because you cut up your wiring. The ignition (pink) wire to the coil is also switched in this manner. The stock system includes the engine wiring harness which has a bypass circuit, supplying full 12V (not the 7V supplied by the pink wire) during starting. The small "I" terminal on the starter side of the solenoid provides this power.