Replacing Ignition on an old sport boat. Is 3 posts to a 4 post ok?

L

LadyBoat

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Joined
Aug 13, 2012
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2
I bought a new replacement ignition switch, is it ok to use a 4 post replacement when it was a 3 post?
Just checking, the accessory wire & ignition where on one post together on the old one, so is it ok to seperate them to there own post now I have the 4 post ignition? Im a newbee boat owner & want to be able to do some things myself.
Thankyou.
 
NYBo

NYBo

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Joined
Oct 23, 2008
Messages
7,107
Re: Replacing Ignition on an old sport boat. Is 3 posts to a 4 post ok?

Welcome to iboats!:cool:

Just make sure you connect the ignition and accessory wires to the proper terminals on the new switch. BTW, there should only be the gauges on that accessory circuit. Everything else should go through the fuse block, which has its own feed from the battery.
 
Silvertip

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
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Sep 22, 2003
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28,771
Re: Replacing Ignition on an old sport boat. Is 3 posts to a 4 post ok?

You can't just put four wires on a four post switch just because there four posts. Each post has a function. Put the wrong wire on the wrong post and you have sparks and probably melted wires. Each post should have a letter code next to it. Share that with us please. I must assume this is also for an I/O boat and not an outboard. Share that with us please. The make models and serial number of what you are working on is always key to getting correct information.
 
L

LadyBoat

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Aug 13, 2012
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Re: Replacing Ignition on an old sport boat. Is 3 posts to a 4 post ok?

I will just get the 3 post ignition & replace it exactly how it came out, thanks.
 
Nickypoo

Nickypoo

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Mar 21, 2012
Messages
287
Re: Replacing Ignition on an old sport boat. Is 3 posts to a 4 post ok?

You seemed to resolve this on your own but yes, you can use a 4 position switch to replace a 3 position.

If you split the wires up like you wanted to then it would work as a 4 position should.

Of course this should be verified with a meter before you go ahead and hook it up on your particular boat.
 
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