ignition switch test?

[chrissymustang]

94 bayliner 3.0L

I suspect my ignition switch went bad how do I test it?

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: ignition switch test?

That you Keith?

This sounds like it might be in Gig Harbor....



Here's the manual


http://www.boatfix.com/merc/mainmenu.pdf

 

[Don S]

Re: ignition switch test?

What is your actual problem, it may not be the ignition switch causing your problem.

 

[chrissymustang]

Re: ignition switch test?

Yep it's me Rick. your right Don, its not the switch. I replaced the ignition switch still nothing. I've checked with the meter the red wire behind the switch and its hot. when I turn the key and check the yellow wire with red stripe, no volts. For some reason there is no current there.

KF

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: ignition switch test?

I have an extra ignition switch if yours is bad. (although the gas to drive over here might be more than stopping at Boaters World and buying a new one!!)

 

[Don S]

Re: ignition switch test?

So, WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM, not what you checked or anything like that. What is the problem that caused you to change the switch?

 

[chrissymustang]

Re: ignition switch test?

My problem is that when I turn the key nothing happens. The gauges, lights, ignition don't work. I have been checking with a volt meter looking for current and everything seems to have about 12.5 v. Any ideas to go on from here?

keith

 

[Don S]

Re: ignition switch test?

Ok, now we are getting some where.
With the key OFF, you should have power (same as the battery) on the ignition switch red wire only. With the switch in the run position, you should have power to the red wire and the PURPLE wire on the ignition switch. If you have power to the purple wire, and the gauges don't work, you probably have an ignition fuse. Trace the purple wire from the switch to it's first connection.
The ONLY time you will have power to the Yellow/red strip wire is when in the start position.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: ignition switch test?

I like that picture you used for your avatar.......

I guess I have to find one that has the engines on the wings now though.......

 

[chrissymustang]

Re: ignition switch test?

Well, I went to follow the purple wire and traced it to the stern where I lost it. There are three posibilities; one to the coil, one to the carb, and one to what I think is a condensor (small rectangluar box on top of the valve cover). I didn't find any fuse, so I rechecked the volts on the purple wire behind the ignition switch--nothing there. I have good volts at the red wire in the off position but not in the run position. thanks for helping, I'm tring to provide as much info as I can

keith

 

[Don S]

Re: ignition switch test?

What are you using to test your electrical system with? From your replies, I'm not sure you know anything about electricity, or using a DVM, or how to check things in the circut. Please explain in detail how you are testing for voltage on the red wire on the ign. sw. in the off and run position. Are you sure you have it wired correctly? There are letters on the switch, what color wire is on what letter?

 

[chrissymustang]

Re: ignition switch test?

Well, with some help from a friend I got it figured out. The 50 amp cb went bad. I jumped across it with a screw driver with the ignition switch on and the gauges came up. Then we tried it a second time with the lights on and they worked too. Looks like I need to replace the CB then I'll be ready to go.

keith

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: ignition switch test?

You have friends?

You should also probably mention that you checked both sides of the CB and the "other side" (opposite the battery side) showed 12v power when no load was on the circuit .......then the voltage dropped to zero (or nearly zero) when the circuit was loaded.

I have not seen very many circuit breakers fail like this. They usually "pop" when they shouldn't, or not stay in etc....(I have one from one of those airplanes like in your avatar that did that) Where did you get that avatar by the way?

Don't throw that one away. I'd like to take it apart and see what it looks like inside. I'll bet it's pretty corroded.

Cheers,


Rick

 

[bjcsc]

Re: ignition switch test?

I have not seen very many circuit breakers fail like this. They usually "pop" when they shouldn't, or not stay in etc....

They fail like that more often than you think. One of mine failed the same way, and we have a similar thread not too long ago where one failed the same way. That's why it's important to follow the voltage through everything with a DVM...

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: ignition switch test?

Well....it doesn't have to be a DVM...(it can be an AVM or a VTVM!!)

Maybe it's a "marine" thing! (those damm Jarheads ... I've always suspected them!)

They must be more subject to corrosion. I have aviation type CB's that are over 60 years old and are not only still good but still working in the airplane! (1947 Stinson) and I've tested them... The failed one out of the one in my avatar got to the point where it would "pop" if you just touched it!......I guess they have many failure modes...



It's always somethin!

They fail like that more often than you think. One of mine failed the same way, and we have a similar thread not too long ago where one failed the same way. That's why it's important to follow the voltage through everything with a DVM...

 

[chrissymustang]

Re: ignition switch test?

I'll have to try and remember where online I got it. I know it on 10L at PDX. I'll drop the cb in your file when I'm done

k