newbie with a couple of problems

Hi guys, just got my 1981 88 petrol home tonight and after stoping to open the gate into the field, have a couple of issues. I've done a few searches on the site and as a result am now checking.
1. ignition switch appears to be intermittant. everynow and again no click from soliniod, all lights on etc but nothing to the startermotor. I am take it from my search that the switch is knacked and I need to replace the bit on the back of the barrel/steering lock assembly? Could it be the whole assembly I need or is it usually just the switch on the ack that goes duff ..any tips thanks?
also;
2. It's fitted with selectro FWH but even in the locked position I couldnt get her to reverse up a slippy grass field. I tried hi and low box but it was driving sleet and blowing a gale. What should I check to see if the hubs are ok tomorrow?
(got the first snow tonight so really would like this sorted!)

no doubt I'll be back so thanks in advance for the help. all the best

easiest way to check the fwh is with them engaged and gearbox in neutral and try to turn the front prop by hand

Oh and yes the bit on the back.....worth checking all connection to the starter and earths as either dodgy can cause intermittent fault..................btw......:welcome2:

:welcome2: And check all ya electrical conections amd conditions of the wires

Thanks guys, had a look at the switch conections all appear good on the back of the barrel, will get underneath when it gets light and check the starter ones.

also :
"easiest way to check the fwh is with them engaged and gearbox in neutral and try to turn the front prop by hand "
But... what should I see to check if they are working?

guess if the hubs are working the prop should drive the wheels when FWH engaged but if this doesnt happen....?

Also prob should have said she's sat for a year before I took her home
thanks

Ok progress:
ignition switch only engages when the key is pushed right in, if you just put it in the barrel you just get the click of the return spring and nothing else.
Put the key in and apply a wee bit of pressure and she starts
SO>>> is it the barrel or the switch...

not had a poke at the fwh yet...

brakes are SOOOO soft too...

think it might have parabolics...how would i recognise them...?
thanks

Try a shot of WD in the ignition switch, and pairobolloxs will only have two or three leaves

WD40, fluid of the gods.
... is there anything you cant do with it?...!:tea:

Well, I wouldn't put it in ya coffee, for instance... and don't squirt the ****e in ya eye

if your springs have more than 2 or 3 leaves then theyre not parabolics. if theres 3 or less, then theyre parabolics.

fwh's are actually quite simple, so a good idea is to see if you can dismantle them and have a look to see whats going on, it will also help you so visualise how they work when you turn them. just be careful of little springs and bits going missing.

cheers guys just found what looks like the origional hubs in the back with a mass of other treasure/crap...(underseal, towing strop,wheel brace plus "special extension", ratchet strap, hand winch, bonnet, footwell, all in one rainsuit split at the crotch, selection of rotting carmats, one sock and 2 open bbags of cement).
should I take the fwh off and ditch them?

Thanks guys, key now working the ignition but think I will get a replacement for the electrical switch anyway just in case.

Found what looks like the origional Hubs in the back in amongst a heap of treasure/crap in the back. Should I ditch the FWH and put the origionals back on?

Depends what you intend to do. If you are only driving tarmac you will get better fuel economy with them on.

However, if you disengage your FWH's remember to re-engage them once a week or so, so that they wiill keep your drive lubricated, and prevent it from seizing up!

If you are constantly doing off-road the FWH's can catch and shear!

The choice is yours, but personally I'd keep them on.

90% of what happens with the ignition barrel is in the actual switch on the back, I would say take it out, drop the switch off and see what's happening.

I have a good barrel and knackered switch if you need it!

If you get a switch then avoid britpart it won't last long! Genuine Lucas is expensive but it's lasted this long!

Thanks guys will order a new lucas switch tonight. struggling to get the FWH off, they are not engaging. In the lock position I can hear a click click click noise but the prop doesnt move.
If I unbolt the hubs they wont come off but move them round a couple of degrees and they engage...unfortunately the bolt holes now dont line up...
How do I get them off? undone the 6 bolts and a small gap opens up but then they stick ...am I missing anything?
Or any other suggestions

yes you have totake the end off the FWH, depending on which type you have this is done in different ways once the cover is off you must undo the nut which holds the halfshaft in (around 1 1/16") then the hub will slide off, personaly i would stick the standard hubs back on personally