Shocking time! 73 Evinrude

I

icatchembig

Recruit
Joined
May 9, 2007
Messages
1
I recently had a very shocking time with my Evinrude.I had just throttled back and took my boat out of gear.I had my left hand on the metal shaft of my stick steer and as I used my right hand to kill the motor as soon as I touched the key I was shocked quite bad.I don't know if it was the switch or something else.I had never had this problem before.It has always been super reliable so I do not know the best way to approach this.I would appreciate any help on this ugly time I had!!!!!!Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
WillyBWright

WillyBWright

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 29, 2003
Messages
8,200
Re: Shocking time! 73 Evinrude

Welcome to iboats. :)

It might have been moisture inside allowing a path for the magneto or kill circuit voltage to leak to the key. Flood the keyslot with WD40 and blow it out with compressed air. You can get covers to help keep the rain out. click me

If the body of the switch is metal, consider replacing the switch. New ones are plastic and some have plastic covers on the keys. click me

Up in the upper left corner of this page you will find a Marine Store tab. Click that and enter "ignition switch" in the search box. You'll see all sorts of possibilities. You won't find better prices anywhere.
 
tashasdaddy

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: Shocking time! 73 Evinrude

you completed the circuit, holding the key, attached to the kill wires that ground the spark to the block, the metal cable to the metal shaft. probably the 1st time you had your hand in the right places. there is suppose to be a nyloyn bushing in the steering link, to insulate, and ease steering.
 
F

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: Shocking time! 73 Evinrude

You discovered that there is 300 volts in the kill wire going to the key switch. The switch sends that 300 volts to ground to kill the motor. In your case you were the ground, via the steering. It would seem that the 300 volts is leaking due to some poorly insulated part, probably the key switch.
 
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