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MG MGB Technical - Push Button Starter

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
D M Tetlow

A vacuum operated switch connected to manifold vacuum should work to disable the starter unless you are planninng to push the starter button during pedal to the floor acceleration.
John H

Would it work if I put a relay between the altenator output and +12V.
This relay could supply the starter button. When the engine is running the relay would drop out, wouldn't it??
Dave
D M Tetlow

Dave,
Just out of interest,why do you want to increase the complexity? Magnette owners (and many others) have no problem with push-button starters!

David
David Overington

You can utilize the oil pressure switch that activates the anti-run valve. It has no continuity when there is oil pressure. Check the wiring diagrem and you could actualy use the existing switch as fitted ifyou car has one.
Sandy Sanders

Sandy - I think you have that backwards, there is continuity when there is oil pressure, which provdes a ground to the anti run-on valve. Power to the valve is provided by the closing of a set of contacts when the ignition switch is turned off. That said, the switch could still be used by just running it to a single pole double throw relay. Cheers - Dave
David DuBois

Thanks for the help Gents
I have a very basic Rover V8 engine so don't have a oil pressure switch or any management system.
The starter button is fitted to the centre console, so I want to protect the engine from the let's play with all the buttons Passenger!!!
I also need to protect against pushing the button when the ignition is off and the car is parked, possibly in gear.
Regards
Dave
D M Tetlow

How about if you install a switch similar to what new cars have, where the clutch pedal needs to be depressed in order for the starter circuit to be closed.

Wayne
Wayne Pearson

The relay to the alternator will not work as the alternator output connection is always hot, even with the key off. If you do a little hunting you may be able to find a pressure switch that is normally closed. Vist your local auto parts house and ask to look through there cataloge form Standard Ignition Products.
John H

John
I hope to use the output terminal for the ignition light not the main +ve supply, i.e. fitting the relay in parallel with the light.
Dave
D M Tetlow

You are not sad, as a child 50 or more years ago, I was always envious that friends father's Standard Vanguard had a push button starter compared with my dad's Ford Anglia which had a pull switch.
c cummins

Dave, this should give you the result you're looking for. Use a time delay relay in the circuit. This type relay energizes when the key is turned on, stays energized for a period of time (you select or adjust) and then goes off. Using this you would wire the voltage from the ignition switch to the energizing coil of the relay and wire the starter button through the normally open contacts. When the relay energizes the starter button contacts would close allowing the button to work to start the car, then open after the selected time and become inoperative until the key was shut off and on again. One example of the relay type is shown as item R27 on the page linked http://www.nteinc.com/relay_web/timedelay.pdf
Hope this helps.
Bill Young

Perhaps a simpler solution would be to use two buttons in series where both would have to be pressed at the same time to energize the starter. Much less chance of both buttons being pressed simultanioulsy than just one. You could use a normally closed button that matched and create a code panel, where only the correct two of three buttons would start the car, any other combination would fail.
Bill Young

Dave, I didn't read closely enough earlier. The relay you would need for this applicatiion would be the R63 series. http://www.nteinc.com/relay_web/pdf/R63.pdf
Bill Young

Use a conventional oil pressure warning light switch, these open with oil pressure, and so surely are the simplest solution?

But personally I think the concept of requiring a separate push-button to ignition switch is going back to the 50s!
Paul Hunt 2

It's an interesting request, and could be thought of as an anti-theft device. If you hide the button somewhere and leave the key switch as is. Just leave the key in the ignition all the time. When the thief tries to start, he'll just think "Damn British cars, never start when you need 'em!" and leave it where he found it.
Tom

Dave
I am in complete empathy with you.
Don't concern yourself with fail safes etc. - did Duncan Hamilton with his press button "D" Type Le Mans Jaguar and several thousand Mk1, Mk2, Mk 7, Mk 8, Mk 9 and Mk 10 owners thereafter?
I have had many TCs, a TD and my current MGB & MGBGT all with post fitted (by me) push button (Lucas) starter buttons. Who cares if the button is accidentally pressed - no irreparable damage.
Just do it - it feels so much better than turning a key through several segments.
I am an active requester of any Lucas starter buttons world wide to ensure that I have an adequate supply for my British cars for years to come.
Peter M
Peter M

G'Day Peter.
Your right!!!
It did not accur to me that I couldn't get a replacement button.
You might have a rival bidder for the next one.
All the best
Dave
D M Tetlow

I will follow with interest over the next few weeks. To keep posted where and when your car will be transported. We wouldn't want some poorly educated idiot to cause it damage now would we.:-)
1 cell life form

Dear Mr 1 cell life from, many apologies.
Maybe you could help me. I am looking for a quote sending my precious (MGB) from the UK to Baltimore for 5 weeks and back again.
Do you know of a non 1 cell life form employing company I could use?
Regards
A pair of 1 cell life form MGB drivers. ;-)
D M Tetlow

I have a push button starter. Well, will when I get the car back into one piece. Also just because I think it is a cool idea. My temporary instrument panel has a button and it is just nicer to use than a key!

There is still a key though so you turn the key to the on position, push the button to start the engine then turn the key to off to stop it. People keep asking how I will prevent someone pushing the button when the engine is running but I figure I just won't do that!

With a standard key there isn't anything to stop someone turning the key to the start position with the engine running and people manage not to do that. Maybe more modern cars have an interlock but my 1990s Toyota doesn't and my old GT didn't.

The other thing you could do is out the button under a missile cover. Then you have to flip the cover up before pressing the button making it harder to do accidentally.

Simon
Simon Jansen

This thread was discussed between 24/10/2007 and 28/10/2007

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