Hello.
Car recently out of long mostly cosmetic resto. Car previously sat for about 5 years whilst other projects took prominence.
After starting up and driving for first time in awhile, car stopped cold. No gas. Determined original rear electric fuel pump burned out.
Replaced with new fuel pump.
Car fired right up. Drove it around. Went to park, turn key off and car still running. Try a few times to drive, stop, park, turn key, nothing, car stil running.
Finally just disconnected battery lead.
Discussed with long time mechanic. He felt it was a bad ignition "switch"...that he had replaced many over years that had "burnt out."
(this part I am calling a switch sits inside dash, is a round, partly metal, partly plastic piece with 8 copper colored prongs - please correct me)
Ordered new replacement switch.
Spent 2 hours bloodying my knuckles as a removed the tach, center stack and then speedo. I detach this whole ignition column - from front bezel to back wire coupling.
Installed new "switch" and reassembled. Before I start putting gauges back, I hold my breath and reattach battery. I turn key to 1 & 2nd position and things come to life. (I do not start engine)
1st gremlin: I turn key off and remove but hear the rear electrical fuel pump still running. Turn key back and forth and it does not stop. I detach battery, pump stops running. I reattach battery, pump runs. Back and forth.
2nd gremlin: concerned Ive got the wrong replacement switch or have assembled incorrectly, I pull everything apart. I then reattach battery and again, the fuel pump begins to run!!! (so does clock)
I begin to check every wire I can see for a possible cross, short, tear, mice chew, anything that might cause a problem. I check fuses repeatedly. I cannot see anything obvious.
My mechanic is convinced their is a wire worn someplace or chewed that is exposing it to metal. If true, he suggests reading schematics for fuel power system, clipping and running new set of wires to ensure it is connected by a clean and uncorrupted wire. (my fear is that someone along the chain of ownership/care made some modification or installation of something electric which corrupted a wire set and I then during my dash area clean-up during resto, i pulled some random wire.)
From a very simple standpoint, I cannot understand how anything can be running or engaged without the ignition throw or even installed!
APprecaite all troubleshooting thoughts. Thanks in advance, Chris
