72 Thunderbird Formula w/twin 165hp Mercs

mr300z87

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Mark

I would have to study the wiring diagram for your engine in order to figure out to rig up the switch it could be as simple as a jumper across the starter relay. But I believe the simplest way would be as mentioned above heavy gauge from Battery + to large lug on stater and from block to - battery. Then 12v to the + side of coil to energize the ignition and then just jumper across the starter 12 V to the solenoid on the starter to spin it over. Oh and I just stuck the fuel inlet hose from the pump in a red gas can as a fuel supply. Hope this helps.
 

alldodge

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Wow long thread and I just now had a quick look, going to take some time but looks real interesting.
Your switch probably works as WOG pointed out, push in first. As for wiring B, I and S should be as you listed previously. Easiest way is as Ted mentioned. If you want to wire it up with the switch do it like you see here. Note the ballast resistor on the I terminal
Points ignition diagram.gif
 

Mark72233

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Thanks everyone for the input and will try it tonight, as far as the switch goes I tried pushing it in also. I think they may be bad its just weird that both would be having the same issue.
 

alldodge

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Thanks everyone for the input and will try it tonight, as far as the switch goes I tried pushing it in also. I think they may be bad its just weird that both would be having the same issue.

Have a part number of the switch?
 

alldodge

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According to there sight there is no push for them, just straight turn. Either the keys are cut wrong, mixed up, or something weird. Most keys have a number along with a corresponding number on the lock, are they the same?

Won't turn either direction?
 

alldodge

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Ya know it should be something simple like maybe the key isn't going all the way in. It was the rain cover over the end which can be removed
 

Mark72233

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Yep, tried all of that. Pulled the rain cover off, looked for some kind of set pin or screw, numbers on the keys no numbers on the locks and the numbers are different on each set of keys. I kept them separate so no mixed up keys and locks but tried them in both just in case. Still nothing. The only other thing I thought was maybe the manufacturing line got messed up for a short time and keys got put with wrong locks and since I bought both locks at the same time they are from the same group of messed up locks. who knows. I bought them almost a year ago when I was buying things for the boat that I knew I needed eventually.
 
G

Guest

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Hi Marcus!

Sure glad you're posting again, Can't wait to see the six shooters back in the boat!

Might I recommend a set of nice Cole Hersee ignition switches?, vice the Sea Dog switches. They may cost a little more, but they will work well and will look very "correct" in your vintage Formula. Sea Dog makes some good stuff, but when it comes to electrical, there's can be kinda cheap.
As always, best of luck!
 

Mark72233

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Thanks for the advise Capt. I just looked at the switches on eBay. There are a bunch of types and prices. Can you recommend one.
 

Mark72233

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And that is a Cole Hersee switch. I don't know why I bought a 3 position switch when all I need is a 2 position.
 
G

Guest

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Mark;

I use the three position because you can turn the ignition "on" without actually cranking the engine. Your instruments will "zero out" in the "on" position and I find it convenient at the fuel pier when filling up, my fuel gauge gives me a read out. You can also check systems that are normally energized when the engines are running.
 

alldodge

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Guess I need to look a bit further but was thinking in my pea brain that you need 3 positions, OFF, ON , START
 

Mark72233

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AllDodge you are right on the mark, I need 3 position not 2, I was distracted by the football game I was watching and was thinking 2 positions because I don't need an accessory switch like in a car but wasn't thinking the 3 position is the off, on & start. I ordered 2 of the 3 position switches.
 

Mark72233

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The ignition switches came in this weekend and CaptErich was right on about the Cole Hershee switches. They are brass, quality made and will look like the style that came out of the boat and with my new switch I have one running motor. If I can figure out how to download video I have the proof.
 
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