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Ignition 'lectrickery

JPSmit

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Friends, I am trying to understand the ignition switch on my car - everything works (knock wood) but...

basically it seems like there are two relevant wires that go out of the ignition switch:

1. One is white - and goes to the distributor.

2. One is white and red and goes to the solenoid.

Am I correct that the first click of the key powers the white, and, the actual turning of the key to start powers the white/red to engage the starter?
 
yes, except the white is actually powering the coil, then to the distributer from the other side of the coil.
 
Thanks Gerard, that makes sense, any guess what the gauge of the wire is?
 
Lucas wiring is sometimes undersized. Gerard's suggestion of a 14 AWG wire is good.
 
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