Emergency Kill Switch

StriperChaser

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Sep 29, 2001
Messages
79
The emergency kill switch on my CC boat has given problems since new. I have a 96 Johnson 112 engine and the kill switch is built into the ignition switch. Many times when you push in the key for the choke, the kill switch clip falls off. When you release the choke, the engine dies from the kill switch being activated. Bad design. Several times while running down the lake I would look down to see the clip off the kill switch and the boat would still be running. I had a hard time starting the engine last time out partly due to the kill switch problem and a bad starter. Now I'm getting weak to no spark at the plugs. Is it possible that the kill switch is not making a good connection causing this weak to no spark condition ? Next stop is the repair shop, but I sure would hate for it to be something as simple as a bad switch. I know the switch has had problems in the past.
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: Emergency Kill Switch

It is unlikely that the kill switch would cause weak spark, Chaser. It is an all or nothing switch. If it is faulty it is usually a five star pain in the butt.<br /><br />Why do you think your spark is weak?<br /><br />Standing by. . .<br />JB :)
 

Beernutz

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 14, 2001
Messages
287
Re: Emergency Kill Switch

Yeah, they'll run fine with the clip off the switch, as long as it's off when you start it. If you push in the key with it running, though, it'll kill it. All it does is flip the key to "off". Sounds like you need a new clip for that problem.<br /><br />All the kill switch does is ground out the ignition, which is what the key switch does when you shut it off. When it's running, there should be no connection at all. If you disconnect the ground wire to the switch, there's no way to shut 'er down. Anyway, if that were your problem, you'd most likely have no spark at all. I think you're gonna have to look elsewhere.<br /><br />Come to think of it, there was a general recall on the '96 OMC ignition switches. Don't know what the problem was, but check with your dealer to see if yours was replaced. The replacement has a different marking on it, and OMC should have a record of it.<br /><br />Happy hunting!
 

clanton

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jul 9, 2001
Messages
4,876
Re: Emergency Kill Switch

See Safety Warning # 2304 dated march 1996 key switches. Switches that have copper colored termials must be replaced, and other information needed to identify good switch. IMHO the replacement is no better.
 

StriperChaser

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Sep 29, 2001
Messages
79
Re: Emergency Kill Switch

In reply to JB, when I pull a plug and turn over the engine, there is only a very faint spark. I have not checked it on a spark meter but you would think a 112 hp engine would spark with some force. It barely has a noticable spark, nothing like a small lawn mower would have. I replaced the plugs and it fired right up and died within 30 seconds. It's getting plenty of fuel. Even with a small spray of starting fluid, it won't fire. Sure seems to be electrical in nature. If the kill switch is a all or nothing type deal, there's another reason. I just knew the kill switch has been a problem in the past and would stop it from starting. I still have some extended warranty left but just hate to put it in the shop for a minor item. I'd rather fix it myself. Maybe it's not so minor.
 

clanton

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jul 9, 2001
Messages
4,876
Re: Emergency Kill Switch

Switch should have 12 inch pigtail with connector. unplug this connector, turn engine by jumper on solenoid, then check spark. Spark ok change switch or check connector at switch and engine. 112 may not have this harness, look for large red connector on engine.
 

Boatman30

Cadet
Joined
Sep 28, 2001
Messages
21
Re: Emergency Kill Switch

HEHEHE<br />In the lawnmowers defense-<br />It takes as much voltage to spark a lawn mower plug as it does an outboard motor. Usually around 40000 volts. LOL<br />Just ribbin ya.
 

rwise

Captain
Joined
Jul 5, 2001
Messages
3,205
Re: Emergency Kill Switch

StriperChaser<br />If the wireing or switch have bad conections it would be possible to have some spark. This is not likely but it is possible, most of the electricity will take the easy path. If the kill circut has some resistance it could have a small amount of spark and might be different each time the switch is turned.<br />Richard
 

StriperChaser

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Sep 29, 2001
Messages
79
Re: Emergency Kill Switch

Thanks to all that replied. With a few more checks of the wiring and switch I have finally determined that the ignition switch is bad. I did have better spark after disconnecting the switch and jumping the solenoid. I went back to the pin connector from the switch and found #1 and #2 pins were burned. I cleaned them up and tried to be sure I had good contact and the motor started right up, first try. The switch hung in the start position even when I removed the key. I just felt it had something to do with that switch the whole time. I'll be headed to the dealer in the am to pick up or order a new one. Thanks again for the help. By the way, I'm going to put a link to this site from my StriperChaser.com fishing site. I'm sure many people could benefit from the information I found here. I'll be back on the water soon, I hope.
 
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