1982 Kenworth W900A Ignition key cylinder & key replacement?

Discussion in 'Kenworth Forum' started by crawdad185, Jun 10, 2022.

  1. crawdad185

    crawdad185 Bobtail Member

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    Jun 10, 2022
    Georgia
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    Hey folks. I recently picked up a 1982 Kenworth W900A truck that had been sitting in a fellows field for several years. It was relieved of it's ignition switch/key cylinder and key at some time in the past. I have found some on ebay, but they're all different. Some have lugs, some have blades, some have screws on the back. With no pictures or nothing in the truck to go on, I'm having some trouble trying to find the right part.
    Would any of you happen to know what kind of cylinder key switch this truck came with. If any of you happen to have one and are willing to part with it, I'd be happy to pay you for it. Any pictures, or any information, would be most appreciated.
     
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  3. RocketScott

    RocketScott Medium Load Member

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    Is the body of the ignition switch still there or do you need the whole thing?

    They're fairly universal. Blades or screws depends on the wiring, look at the wire ends in the dash. If you have a separate start switch you don't need that in the ignition switch, it will be three wires for battery, ignition, and accessories. Without a separate start switch there will be another wire for that going to the middle of the ignition switch

    https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/GRO...qNMVLi7VxvVLcsXr4hoC26sQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&
     
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  4. SmallPackage

    SmallPackage Road Train Member

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    Marion Texas
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    Majority if not all the trucks used the threaded nut stud terminals due to severe vibration and heat the dash took in them old things. With a starter button all you need is a switch that has acc/off/run You don’t need one with the ignition terminal. That is what the button does. If you get one its not necessary to use it just leave it bare.
    Pollak is what Paccar used back then. Cole-Hersee should use the same series key. (Unless they changed recently) They use Briggs-Stratton style keys. The same Paccar used. Same as 1960’s GM keys. So you may be able to get a savvy locksmith to key it so the doors match just like new.
     
    Last edited: Jun 10, 2022
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  5. crawdad185

    crawdad185 Bobtail Member

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    Jun 10, 2022
    Georgia
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    The body of the switch is not there. The wires behind the panel is all a tangled mess. Hard to tell which wires went to the switch. Do you know the gauge and color of the wires that goes to the switch? I sure wish I had a shop manual for this truck. I found one on ebay, but they want $500.00 for it. :(
     
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  6. RocketScott

    RocketScott Medium Load Member

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    Apr 10, 2013
    Kentucky
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    Not sure, I've got a Peterbilt. They are probably 12 gauge wires
    You'll have to just check wires between the fuse panel, accessory relay and the ignition switch with a multimeter
     
    spsauerland Thanks this.
  7. crawdad185

    crawdad185 Bobtail Member

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    Jun 10, 2022
    Georgia
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    I'm not very good at electrical work. It is a maze of wires back there. Maybe I can find someone around here to help me out.
    This truck is going to require a ton of work to get running. I probably shouldn't have got it, but I love these old Kenworths and I hated to see it sitting out in that field just rotting. Besides, the price was right. :)
     
  8. RocketScott

    RocketScott Medium Load Member

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    I can appreciate that, but now's a good time to start learning. The more you work on it the easier it will get

    Even if you did have a wiring diagram with all the wires labeled I wouldn't trust it completely. Who knows what's been done to that truck over the past 40 years. When I bought mine I filled a 55 gallon trash can with all the extra wires and things that were disconnected but not removed. Lots of things wired incorrectly but just good enough to get by
     
    Bean Jr. Thanks this.
  9. crawdad185

    crawdad185 Bobtail Member

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    Jun 10, 2022
    Georgia
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    Well I'm 72 years old now, but you're right, you're never too old to start learning. I primarily got this truck to have something to occupy my time. I'm fully retired now, and I get bored just sitting around doing nothing. I'm planning on making this truck my full time occupation for however long it takes.
    Thank you all for your help and encouragement.
     
  10. spsauerland

    spsauerland Road Train Member

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    West Harrison, In
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    Welcome to TTR! Nice to see another proud A model owner on here as myself. I have an 82 in the early stages of converting to a 5th wheel tugger. Here is picture of my ignition switch setup. KIMG0145.JPG
    Mine is 82 glider that originally had a 92U Cat 3406A so has start switch that can be turned to left for pre-heater. It now has a 7FB 3406B 400 JWAC in it. Mine was keyed different on doors, so I got new ignition cylinder kit, ignition switch, door locks to have one key to do it all. KIMG0144.JPG
    First two is complete outside handles, then three matched lock tumblers with keys, then door lock assy, then ignition switch. Switch was $13.00. Last six of VIN and I can look up your parts
     
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  11. crawdad185

    crawdad185 Bobtail Member

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    Jun 10, 2022
    Georgia
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    Wow, thanks! I'm away for the next few days, but when I get back, I'll try to find the VIN and get it to you. That switch to the left of your key is different from mine. On mine there is a round red button there. It had a name tag on it at one time, but its missing so I don't know what its for. Thanks a lot for your offer to help.
     
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