MGB Starter Push Button

[tetlow]

I have fitted a old Bakelite Starter button to my B.
This is something I have always wanted to do. (sad I know).
Does any one have a similar system?
I am trying to sort our the electrical practicalities.
I will leave the key start wiring at the moment as I will be shipping the car abroad next year and the car will need to be started by numerous 1 cell life forms!!
I would like to have the system so that when the motor is running, pushing the button will not engage the starter. i.e. when the car is running the pd across the starter switch is 0V.
Could some of you bright sparks out there tell me what supply can I use that is only live when the car is running, please?
Regards
Dave

[katanaman]

how about running a relay via the alternator light? When the engine is stopped alt light is on so you should be able to get a relay to make and you will have a circuit via that to the starter. Engine starts light goes out and the relay opens breaking the circuit. You could also use a landrover fuel pump pressure switch which mounts on the oil pump but you would need a normally closed relay as the fuel switch makes the circuit on oil pressure.

[tetlow]

Marki
Excellent idea.
I will see if I can get a relay to energise between the output of the altenator and +12V.
Sounds a good idea to me.
Cheers
Dave

[katanaman]

Remember and put the relay in parallel with the lamp and not series.

[tetlow]

Just had a thought.
I will have to use a +12V from the ignition switch to stop the starter working when the car is turned off/parked!! This would mean the relay would not be energised until the ignition is on, stopping battery drain.
Dave

[Paul B]

Just had a thought.
I will have to use a +12V from the ignition switch to stop the starter working when the car is turned off/parked!! This would mean the relay would not be energised until the ignition is on, stopping battery drain.
Dave

Why not have the same system that you use to stop the starter motor turning with a normal key ignition: common sense.

I have a push button starter in my Morris Eight, and I have never, ever felt the urge to press it once the motor is running. I mean, why would you?

[jrv8]

Tetlow,

Why don't you fit a microswitch on the clutch pedal, and wire the starter button relay through it. That means that the button will only work the starter when the clutch is depressed.

Jim

[tetlow]

The button is in the centre console so a passenger could press it.
I am at the moment favouring the oil pressure switch enabling my starter button relay that is, if fitting a relay around the ignition light does not work.
Thanks for all your ideas.
Dave

[Alley Kat]

D'you want to do away with the key entirely? Just asking because a common Amazon mod is to use the key to go to first position only, then use a separate starter button. Done because the original "guitar" key is prone to snapping in situ. Button did nothing when running. Can look up details if its any use.

[Ian Anderson]

Is there such a thing as a "timed" relay?

Something that will be energised for say 5 seconds after ignition switch is activated - you then press the starter button - after the 5 secs it goes off.

Similar to the fuel pump circuit on a hotwire but one that does not re-energise once the engine is running.

Ian

[mgbv8]

You can get adjustable timer relays Dave. Look at RS components or Maplins.
I fitted an alternator powered relay as an extra safety in my nitrous system. The engine has to be running and the alternator producing output before the nos is enabled. You would just use the normally closed contacts for your starter button interlock. But I dont know how fast the alternator has to go before it makes engough power to operate the relay. I have thought about the push button start just for something different. My idea was to have a rally style setup where you flip up a nato style arming switch to arm the button, then use the button to start and then knock the safety cover back down again to open circuit the button.

[Paul B]

The button is in the centre console so a passenger could press it.
I am at the moment favouring the oil pressure switch enabling my starter button relay that is, if fitting a relay around the ignition light does not work.
Thanks for all your ideas.
Dave

If passengers start pressing buttons on the controls a smart rap across the fingers with a 3/4" spanner would do the trick.

Or maybe relocate the button to somewhere more suitable?

My next project will have a button start, but you won't even be able to see the button, just feel it under the edge of the dash.

[tetlow]

What I want to do is have a standard system so shippers can start the car and, when I remove the link, I can start only with the starter button. The button is located in the centre console so cannot be moved.
It is not a security issue as I have a hidden switch isolating the coil.
As I am rebuilding the car I would like to build it as bomb proof as possible.
Thanks Perry, a delay off relay would be a good idea, with the delay being fired by pushing the start button. I have used these regulary in my day job!!! The ones from RS are about £40.
Dave

[Scotty]

Hi all.
Have you seen the glass engine start/stop switch in recent Aston Martins? I've had thoughts of making something similar for my TR7V8. I came across a ready made kit in a US mag Street Rodding (not a mag I've ever read before). Watson's Streetworks sell a kit called 'igniter' which is an ignition start/stop button, wiring & one relay which plugs into a little box. Sells for US$130 though. Might be pictures on www.watsons-streetworks.com
I'm guessing (hoping) there might be cheaper options out there. Cheers, Scotty.