bad key switch?

[86c20]

ok so i was cranking my truck as i just put in a new ip and was bleeding it out. cranked fine for some time on and off then went to crank again and got nothing in the cab. so after so checking and a lot of swaring i think the switch is not good. i have tryed to tap it no luck. so how do i get it out? and how do i test this properly?

[clapage6]

there is a good tutorial here for replacing your ignition switch.

is your cab getting power with the key on now? just no starter crank?

if so... just check for 12v at the starter solenoid while someone tries to start with the key. you could also trace that wiring closer to the ignition switch to isolate better but if it all the sudden stopped while you were cranking for an extended period of time, it could be a fusible link or something between 12v and the starter or even the starter itself i suppose

[86c20]

no i am geting nothing at all. only thing that works are the head lights

[meter swinger]

I had an ignition cylinder go out on a 78 a couple years ago. What happened is that the part of the cylinder that pushes the rod down the collum to the ignition switch broke. Try taking the covers off the steering collum so you can access the rod that runs down the top of the collum. Turn the key as far as it will go, then with a pair of needle nose pliers grip the rod and push down on it. If it cranks your cylinder is bad. If not you have and electrical problem, nuetral safety switch would be the next thing along with the ignition switch. Unlikely that it would fail but you can bypass it my mating the purple wires together ( double check me on that wire color with a diagram, im relying on memory)
After that offcourse the starter and the issues that are associated with it. i.e., heat soak.
Go to the electrical forum on here if you get stumpped theres some electrical gurus that hang out there.