Control Box Questions & Ignition Swtich

[MyOldBoat]

I have a 1979 6 Cylinder 115 HP Mercury Outboard with a Serial number of 5315154.

I have the "Deluxe" model control box for it and I have a few questions about it. This is probably incredibly simple and I am embarrassed to ask but what is the "Trailer" button on this box for? It doesn't seem to do anything and I just can't figure out what it is for.

Secondly, my ignition switch is plum wore out on it. Upon testing I have found that it works about 20% of the time and needs replaced. All the switches I am finding online are the push-to-choke style but my control box has the choke button placed above the ignition switch. Can I just put a simple Off, Ignition, Start 3 position switch in its place or does it need to be a Mercury switch?

Thanks in advance for any help! It is truly appreciated!

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Control Box Questions & Ignition Swtich

You should replace it with the original.No idea about the trailer button.J

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Control Box Questions & Ignition Swtich

The trailer button "overrides" the trim limit switch to allow engine to be full raised...

 

[waynelk]

Re: Control Box Questions & Ignition Swtich

The motor is supposed to trim up only as far as the part with the holes where you can put a pin through are still engaged with the lower unit for support. There is a micro switch that should stop it at that point. The trailer button bypasses that switch and allows the motor to go full up.(Trailer position)
As far as any ignition switch the answer is no. Push to choke switch is fine, just don't use the push feature, or hook your choke to that wire. An outboard ignition switch has 2 contacts that only close when the switch is off. It grounds the ignition system which is what shuts the motor off. (Similar to old lawn mowers where you pushed the metal part to short (ground) the spark plug. Not like a car where power runs the motor and no power stops the motor. An outboard is run by the stator/battery.