[Bobnbarbara]

I have a problem I am not familiar with.

We went to start our 72 Elky and when turning the key it just turned with no resistance. Turning it off, we can not now remove the key. There is no spring back and the car does not start. Also, the column remains in the locked position. Is this serious or is there a simple fix?

 

[Dean]

Tilt column?

 

[Bobnbarbara]

never used but yes

 

[LevonH]

Rod may have fallen out of the switch or the actual switch is broken. 2 different switches; 1 for tilt and 1 for non tilt.

Check to see if the mounting screws are in place and that the switch moves with the rod. The key rotation moves the rod. If the switch moves but you do not get resistance at the start position nor a spring back then it is most likely the switch. If the rod does not move then it is the swivel at the end of the rod (toward the ignition switch) or in the key/sector arrangement.

Scroll through this articl and mid way through is a picture of the sector/key....

http://www.elcaminocentral.com/showthread.php?t=27192

Rick, we're typing at the same time .

 

[rick]

Don't remember the exact particulars, but there is a rod that goes from the key switch, down the column to the electrical starting switch which is mounted on the top face of the column at the bottom of the column. Possible the rod came loose at either the top or bottom. Could probably take a picture Sunday (column is out) if you still are having a problem.

 

[Dean]

Tilt columns have a pretty common problem with the rack breaking.

 

[Dean]

http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=302393

 

[Bobnbarbara]

Thanks everyone. I will follow up with what it was.

Bob

 

[JIML82]

From your description of the problem it sure sounds as if your die cast rack is broken. You may be able to tilt your column and find that the system now engages the broken rack and allows you to reach START and/or OFF-LOCK. It is only a very short term fix.

You may find these instructions to be very helpful in replacing the rack. You will need to remove the steering wheel, remove the column from the car, then disassemble the rest of the upper column head to reach the broken rack. Also, since you will have most of the upper end disassembled, now would be a good time to locktite and retorque the four bolts that attach the tilt support to the column jacket.

Here are three papers that may help:
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/tiltcolumndr_1rev09ja2010.pdf

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/stdortiltcolumndr_2rev15ja20101.pdf

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/tiltcolumndr_3rev05my2010.pdf

Here are three pics that should compliment the above papers:

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/tiltcolumnlinedrwg_2.pdf

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/tiltcolumnlinedrwg_2.pdf

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/tiltcolumnlinedrwg_3.pdf

Good luck,
Jim