started my 65 and smoke came out of ignition switch, shut it off and restarted, no more smoke but starter did not disengage, disconnected batt. went back later and all seems fine, don't trust switch anymore could have fire, any ideas?

 

If you owned a British car, the answer would be easy:



OK, seriously, sounds like time for a new ignition switch, however you need to also figure out if the stuck starter is due to a shorted switch, or if there's a short in the starter that damaged the switch. I hate to say it, but it's probably worth dropping the starter to have it tested in addition to replacing the switch.

 

Once the smoke gets out, the part's no good.

... Unless you can find some of that rare Delco replacement smoke...

- Eric

 

You cannot put the smoke back in.

 

Batt disconnected
remove ign cylinder with paperclip in hole from ACC pos more CCW then extract


wiggle ign switch backside while unscrewing switch retainer bezel
drop switch down to where you can work on it


pull wiring connector off switch using paperclips as required to help with any retainer tangs


Replace switch with NOS if at all possible, or good used, or Chinese whatnot


Replace any burned overheated wire terminals.


Replace terminal block if too melted.


Test starter in place by jumping 12V to its purple wire at the underhood connector. Any failure such as stay-on means fix it
if it behaves right oh 10x in a row it should be fine and the problem was at the smoke site.

 

You didn't mention whether you have a Cutlass / 442 or a Full Size ( 88 / 98) Oldsmobile ......
I may have N.O.S. --rather than having to be forced to settling for
"chinesium"......
You are welcome to call me -- Craig -- 516 - 485 - 1935 ... New York...