Ignition Switch Or Starter?

Yesterday, put key in ignition switch, turned to the "on" position and all guages come on......fine. Turned key further to start engine and sometimes everything goes dead! Turned the key back to the "off" position for a second and then to "on" and further to start and the engine starts turning over. We didn't hear any kind of "clicking" noise coming from the engine/starter (like I've heard in a vehicle), so we figure the problem is with the ignition switch. Don't know though. The boat is a 1992.
While the marine service center had our boat, changing risers/manifolds, I was asked by the owner if I needed a new starter. Apparently the same thing happened to the mechanic when he went to start up the boat for the water test. I told him "no"......couldn't afford that, but now thinking it could very well be the ignition switch instead. If I remember right, this same thing happened on the boat last year, but wasn't a continuous thing.
An ignition switch would be a heck of a lot cheaper than a new starter and I could install a new switch myself with NO LABOR COST

Re: Ignition Switch Or Starter?

Take the starter out and test it if you are concerned. Expense depends on the engine you are seeking a starter for. Could be the switch I believe thee are ways to test the ignition switch.

Re: Ignition Switch Or Starter?

Measure voltage to and from solenoid with key in start position, is there any?

Re: Ignition Switch Or Starter?

Have a look at this thread on troubleshooting your starting system. It's found up in the Adults Only sticky.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=167035

Re: Ignition Switch Or Starter?

This is a duplicate thread, which is bad manners. See Electronics and Electrical.