mercury switch on 50hp mercury outboard engine

[esincl40]

Can you run a mercury outboard with the mercury switch unhooked,without doing any damage to switchbox or any damage to anything else?My engine won't fire.

 

[Walter]

Re: mercury switch on 50hp mercury outboard engine

Ok...I give. What the heck is a Mercury switch? Mercury as in Kiekhaefer or Mercury as in highly poisonous element?<br /><br />For an engine that cranks but won't fire I recommend checking the kill switch on the throttle/shift control box. Is that whay you're talking about?<br /><br />Walt

 

[esincl40]

Re: mercury switch on 50hp mercury outboard engine

on the left side of the motor there is a switch that has mercury in it to keep it from starting up while raised up.(Who starts the motor while it's raised up any how?)Does this controller have a kill switch in it? It's a 1973 model.I don't see any kill switch from the outside.

 

[hondon]

Re: mercury switch on 50hp mercury outboard engine

yes

 

[Tom P]

Re: mercury switch on 50hp mercury outboard engine

I ran aground in a 13’ Whaler with a Merc 500, 1985. The only way I was able to get out was to lift the engine. The intakes were just below the water and in egg beater mode, I managed to get out. The boat doesn’t have power trim. I guess not all Merc 50hp’s have that switch.

Tom

 

[jebeebe]

Re: mercury switch on 50hp mercury outboard engine

the motor has to be tilted all or most of the way up for the mercury switch to work. you will find it on the starboard side of the engine mounted at an angle. About the size of a condenser.............Jerry

ps.......yellow/black wires

 

[jebeebe]

Re: mercury switch on 50hp mercury outboard engine

I ran aground in a 13? Whaler with a Merc 500, 1985. The only way I was able to get out was to lift the engine. The intakes were just below the water and in egg beater mode, I managed to get out. The boat doesn?t have power trim. I guess not all Merc 50hp?s have that switch.

Tom

the motor has to be tilted most of the way up before the mercury runs to the other end of the switch and kills it. it's on the starboard side of the enging mounted at an angle. about the size of a condenser. Yellow/black wires.................Jerry

 

[ricksrster]

Re: mercury switch on 50hp mercury outboard engine

Yes, you can remove the mercury switch. My is gone.

 

[achris]

Re: mercury switch on 50hp mercury outboard engine

The main reason for the Mercury switch is to kill the ignition when an underwater object is struck and the engine kicks up. The switch shuts down spark and stops the engine over-revving.

You can disconnect the switch without any damage to the switch box. Perfectly ligitimate diagnostic procedure.

Good luck....

Chris............