Ignition Switch Failure
 

Guys,

We had an awesome day on our local mud puddle, despite a short spat or rain, until we pulled anchor and headed back.

We didn’t think much of it at first, but the wife hit the key to start the engine and noticed the switch turned kinda odd, but it started fine. We can’t really remember hearing the horrendous whine, but then the sundeck was crazy slow to lift (where we keep the anchor), and the volt meter was showing less than 10v, and we heard it. Initially, I assumed the alternator was going south.

While waiting for the wife to bring the trailer around, I took this…..


I’m pretty well convinced it’s an ingition switch failure. It’s stuck in the “start” position”. The diagnosis checks all the boxes…. Even the startup sequence of the GPS.

Knowing there’s a lot of crap coming from China and such, any recommendations of a replacement switch? I’ve seen boats with what appeared to be off/on/momentary start toggles, presumably doing away with the key. Any thoughts on these?

Thanks. Brad.

Just realized….

Title should read “Ignition Switch Failure”….

Damned autocorrect.

Thanks. Brad.

rpm was having fun !!!

Fixed

Griff,

Thanky. :cool::ernaehrung004:

Thanks. Brad.

Jeff,

It’s stuck in the “start” position. I edited the OP to include that detail. That whining sound you hear is the starter reengaging with the flywheel. Whenever the shifter is in the neutral position, satisfying the neutral lockout, the starter kicks off. Not sure what happened with the switch, but I’m guessing it’s an internal mechanical failure of some sort. I’m gonna dig into it this morning.

Thanks. Brad.

I just ordered 2 switches from Eddie Marine. I have no idea where they get their products. Mine are original and almost 30 years old so if the new ones last 1/2 as long I'll be happy. I'm assuming you have tried shutting off the engine and trying it again to see if it is stuck? If it is then you would only have to turn the key to the "On Position" and the starter should take off correct?

Rob,

Pretty sure the switch failed mechanically. It feels completely different. It turns way past where it used to while starting.

I’m just now getting ready to back the boat into my shop, and I will be pulling the panel out of the dash to get a look at it momentarily.

Thanks. Brad.

Lol!!! Those positions are F'd 1 through 3