Starter safety switch

[Triker Billy]

Hi VW Trike Lovers :wave4:
I am trying to set up a safety switch on my clutch pedal so the starter will not engage until I depress the clutch.
I have started my trike several times in gear, while I was working on it. Dam near ran myself over.
I have a Arizona Trike Kit. Stock 1600 with 4 speed.
If you look close you will see the clutch pedal in pic.
Pedal pulls the cable witch operates the clutch.
Has anyone set up a switch to shut down their starter on the clutch pedal of their Trike ? I know a lot or standard shift cars have them.

Thank's
TrikerBilly

 

[DeathBySnuSnu]

Hello.

Yeah, I have been living without one also.
Maybe some sort of micro switch somewhere on the linkage. Best place is probably on the shifter as a neutral switch.
The hydraulic clutch units have an option of a switch on the cylinder. Other than the hydraulic kit I do not know of any others you can buy. Some of the late/last models did have a switch on the side of the trans.
Most likely you will have to make it all the way.

 

[cavie]

My Dodge Dakota has a switch on the clutch arm under the dash. Any auto parts will have one. Hook it to the ignition wiring. A relay would make things easy to do.

 

[Sidecarbill]

I would think it should be pretty easy 2 hook up 1 of the universal stoplight switches on the trans end. You would need the relay kit though. Depressing the clutch would pull the switch and allow it 2 start. You could probably put a bracket on the engie bolt.

 

[DeathBySnuSnu]

Following Sidecarbill and his idea of universal switch.
This leads me to this microswitch on ebay.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/CLASSIC-CAR-UNIVERSAL-mechanical-brake-light-switch-N-C-pull-to-brake-/252030352037?nav=SEARCH

Any bracketing and mounting would be up to you to devise.*
Looks to be nc, would probably have to be no. But could be reversed with a relay.

 

[Triker Billy]

Starter Safety Switch

Thanks for all the good ideas.
I will check with the local auto parts stores and try to find something that will work. orag:

 

[stinger608]

I think Deathbysnusnu is on the right track. That spring loaded micro switch would be just the ticket.

I don't personally care to have a neutral safety switch in case clutch goes bad I can still start the trike in gear, but I understand why you would want one.

 

[vwbug72501]

How about a universal motorcycle brake light switch (normally open) in series with the starter solenoid control (small) wire? Mount the switch to the frame and the spring to the clutch pedal. That way the starter would only engage when the clutch pedal is depressed.

Down and dirty - cheap.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...versal+motorcycle+brake+light+switch&_sacat=0

 

[DeathBySnuSnu]

Excellent.

 

[Sidecarbill]

Yup that switch is what I had in mind. I don't know if it can handle the amps. I have the relay kit on mine because sometime all u get is the solenoid click no start. This is pretty common on old vw's.

 

[Triker Billy]

safety switch

Thanks Guys !!
I ordered the switch you recommended and a 60 amp relay,
from ebay.
i will get back to you when I get it set up. orag:

 

[Doug D.]

Mine has a hydraulic clutch. I was thinking of using a brake light switch between the master and slave cylinders to interrupt power to the starter solenoid. The starter would only engage with the clutch pedal pushed in.