I searched for info on my problem, but I just couldn't find anyone with the same problem.
Background on the problem: The ignition switch for my engine is installed within the main switch panel for the boat. the ignition switch is held in place on the main switch panel with a large nut that screws into the threads on the outside of the ignition switch cylinder. Under normal operation, the ignition cylinder would rotate within this nut while the nut would remain stationary. For the past several weeks, I have noticed that I need to turn the key 120-180 degrees to get the engine to crank instead of the usual 30-45 degrees. I has also taken a few cranks to start the engine instead of the usual one crank. All this time, I just thought the outside nut was a little loose so I wasn't that worried about it. Just tighten the nut & everything will be ok.
So yesterday, I decide to get up underneath the console & tighten the nut down really well. I go to start the engine, and the key will not turn in the ignition lock. I have the safety switch installed, the right key, and the boat is in neutral. I also remembered in the past few weeks that the ignition switch was not requiring two clicks of the key to crank the engine. I usually have to click over to the "run" position, then click over one more time to the "start" position to get it to start. But in the last few weeks, there has been no "run" position. Does anyone have some insight as to what is causing this problem?
The engine runs flawlessly, I just can't turn the ignition to start it. I think the ignition switch was starting to lock up in the past few weeks & that is why the retaining nut was getting loose. The ignition switch was locked, then I kept turning it, which caused the nut to become loose. I also think the ignition switch was having a harder time getting a good connection, so thats why it was starting to take multiple cranks to start.
So is there anything I can do to save this ignition switch, or am I going to have to buy a new one?
Thanks in advance!
-Ben
Background on the problem: The ignition switch for my engine is installed within the main switch panel for the boat. the ignition switch is held in place on the main switch panel with a large nut that screws into the threads on the outside of the ignition switch cylinder. Under normal operation, the ignition cylinder would rotate within this nut while the nut would remain stationary. For the past several weeks, I have noticed that I need to turn the key 120-180 degrees to get the engine to crank instead of the usual 30-45 degrees. I has also taken a few cranks to start the engine instead of the usual one crank. All this time, I just thought the outside nut was a little loose so I wasn't that worried about it. Just tighten the nut & everything will be ok.
So yesterday, I decide to get up underneath the console & tighten the nut down really well. I go to start the engine, and the key will not turn in the ignition lock. I have the safety switch installed, the right key, and the boat is in neutral. I also remembered in the past few weeks that the ignition switch was not requiring two clicks of the key to crank the engine. I usually have to click over to the "run" position, then click over one more time to the "start" position to get it to start. But in the last few weeks, there has been no "run" position. Does anyone have some insight as to what is causing this problem?
The engine runs flawlessly, I just can't turn the ignition to start it. I think the ignition switch was starting to lock up in the past few weeks & that is why the retaining nut was getting loose. The ignition switch was locked, then I kept turning it, which caused the nut to become loose. I also think the ignition switch was having a harder time getting a good connection, so thats why it was starting to take multiple cranks to start.
So is there anything I can do to save this ignition switch, or am I going to have to buy a new one?
Thanks in advance!
-Ben