...wild guess here...
sounds like the back of your metal key lock to
plastic electrical switch interface is badly worn.
the key mechanism and the electrical switch part are
two separate items. The back of the key lock has a 'flatted'
round protrusion that extends into the electrical switch. Even
though the key was in the off position, it may have enough
slop in the mechanical interface to have not completely
moved the electrical switch into the full 'off' position.
Touching it moved it that last 'micro inch' to break the connection
(If you pull out the key lock barrel...you can push and turn using
use the end of you finger down in the hole to turn the electrical switch)
...also check to see if the entire electrical switch part is firmly
attached to the metal housing that holds it on the column.
I've seen them loose enough that turning the key did not turn the
electrical switch
Paul Tegler
1973 MGBGT - Daily Driver
1975 Spitfire - in Cherry shape
1980 Spitfire - in re-hab
1978 Spitfire - in Superb Shape!
1973 Round Wheel Arch Midget in the works
wizardz@toad.net
http://www.teglerizer.com
(see menu for MG and Triumph Automobiles)
-----Original Message-----
From: Tab Julius <tab@penworks.com>
To: mgs@autox.team.net <mgs@autox.team.net>
Date: Saturday, November 06, 1999 12:38 AM
Subject: Weird electrical happening
>
>A weird thing happened tonight. If anything, my strong point is
>electricity, and yet...
>
>I drove home ('78 B roadster), turned the ignition off, took the key out,
>opened the door, and realized that the radio was still playing and the map
>light is on. The map light I understand with the door open, but power to
>the radio is still on, but the key is in my hand.
>
>I shut the door, map light goes out. Radio remains on, no key in the
>ignition.
>
>I decide to put the key in the ignition and turn it on and off, but as soon
>as the key touches the ignition switch metal, the radio goes off.
>
>1) Is the switch flaky, such that it kept the connection on until it was
>jolted by my touching the switch again (but it was touched extremely
>lightly, if at all)
>
>2) Was touching the ignition with the key a "key" factor, or just
>coincidental timing?
>
>3) Was there some "flukas" that conspired between opening the door and
>removing the key (which might have happened simulataneously) to keep an
>open circuit? I can't imagine how, but I have heard odd tale of Lucas
wiring.
>
>I'm probably about 2000 miles north of the Bermuda triangle, and there were
>no UFOs in sight, though I do note a strange new circle on my lawn...
>
>- Tab
>
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