Open ignition circuit

[j6393]

Wondering if anyone has had a similar electrical problem - I took out the instrument panel in my Mk1 and when I replaced the multi connector plug on the back of the panel (battery connected but no key in the ignition) the low oil and charging circuit warning lights came on and the ignition was live. Gauges operated OK.
Turning the ignition key either to ACC or START will operate the starter and the engine starts and can only be stopped by overchoking or brakes on/clutch out in gear. Take the key out while engine is operating does not stop engine (same as hot wiring).
Battery must be disconnected all the time now as there is an open ignition circuit.
Prior to this everything was working OK and tried on another instrument panel with same results.
I am waiting for the local auto electrician to have a look when he gets the chance but I need to use the vehicle in the meantime - any suggestions?

[sidspop]

Overchoking, so it's petrol?

If you were to fit a switch to the positive feed to the coil, that would enable you to stop the engine.
Does the clocks have a rev counter?
Sounds to me more like a problem with the ignition switch or wiring to it, rather than a problem with the clocks wiring. Has there been any other wires tapped into the loom at some stage, that may have been disturbed?

[j6393]

V4 no rev counter.
The previous owner had added a few wires to the circuit and I may have disturbed something.
I think there is some wear in the ignition switch but it has never been a problem in the past - I can swap it with another one I have and see if that cures the problem.

[j6393]

Thanks for the help - it turned out not to be the ignition switch but some previous add-on wiring which I thought I had tidied up.
When I stopped panicking and pulled all the old add-ons off and replaced them one by one I found the fault.

[sidspop]

Glad to be of assistance.

Andy

[madmark]