Fixing a stuck key?

[scubajoe]

Anyone ever try to "drill out" a F-R switch so the key was not needed? My switch is stuck, and won't move. Fortunately it is stuck in Forward, at least, but it would be nice to get reverse to work again, so I can put it in the shed instead of leaving it out in the rain.

A new F-R switch is $75 plus shipping, which I don't want to spend right now, and of course, if it's in the shed, I'm not too worried about it being stolen. I've messed with this switch for a while, trying to figure out what is jammed in there, and have not been able to break anything loose. Tried spraying PB Blaster into the lock core and poking around in there with various instruments, with no luck.

I'd actually be happy with an easy bypass switch I could wire in. I suppose a switch and a relay would do the job, but getting the key to turn would certainly be the easier fix.

[scottyb]

I read this post and nowhere do you tell what make or what model or what vintage cart you are asking for tech advice about? Are we to assume that it is not one of the 3 major brand of gas cart because you posted in the generic gas cart forum? Not all F&Rs are alike .....

[scubajoe]

Originally Posted by scottyb

I read this post and nowhere do you tell what make or what model or what vintage cart you are asking for tech advice about? Are we to assume that it is not one of the 3 major brand of gas cart because you posted in the generic gas cart forum? Not all F&Rs are alike .....

Yes, sorry about that, I was kinda asking in general to the "population", but it is my '88 Columbia Par Car. The F-R switch has F-OFF-R positions. I've found cheaper switches, but the one specifically for my cart is pretty expensive, and I don't really care about the security of it, just that I can switch it back and forth.

[mikesmotortoys]

You should fix it correctly with a new key switch

[scubajoe]

Originally Posted by mikesmotortoys

You should fix it correctly with a new key switch

Ummm, why?

[mikesmotortoys]

Originally Posted by scubajoe

Ummm, why?

Ummmmmmm - Because it is the correct way to repair the broken switch Why risk to possibility of causing more damage to the cart or someone else, if the 'temporary' repair malfunctions?

[hotmomma]

With Mike, somethings just need to be fixed the right way.

[scubajoe]

Well, like I said, my preference is to just use the existing switch, with or without the key functioning (i.e. "drilling it out"), but $100 for a new switch while I am unemployed is just not a smart use of money. On the other hand, I have plenty of time to work on the carts. A conundrum.

[mikesmotortoys]

What is the part number you need? I'd be happy to see what we can get it to you for....

[scubajoe]

Thanks Mike. According to my research this is the part number for my '88 Columbia Par Car:

Factory Part # 71762-82A