Wiring problem driving me crazy

[wmsclan]

1969 model 15 ft. Larson boat with a push button type gear selector, the forward gear has burnt out, need to spend the money on a new switch but trying to take the easy way out. Only 3 wires on the switch but those wires are not cooperating with your normal store bought 3 way switch, the generic switch has 6 prongs to connect wires to and quite honestly not sure where to hook them. Can anyone help with a schematic or experience. Yes I know, I need to buy a manual..But, the boat is a hoopty and not really wanting to spend much, just to get it on the water and catch some fish, tired of fishing off the bank...

 

[evin300]

Re: Wiring problem driving me crazy

Are you sure it is the switch? If not, try putting the forward wires on the reverse switch just to confirm. I do know that a electric shift hates water in the lower unit, have you checked it? Good Luck

 

[evin300]

Re: Wiring problem driving me crazy

Oh, I see that this is a new thread for the same problem. It would be better if you just continued you old one IMHO. Solving these problems is a group effort and everyones previous input very helpful.<br /><br />Now that I have read both threads, I think that there is something wrong with your electric shift that is causing it to ground out as you put the motor in the water, therefore messing up your whole ignition. system

 

[wmsclan]

Re: Wiring problem driving me crazy

So, are you saying that the problem lies in the lower unit or in the gear select itself. How possible is it for the wiring in the lower unit be grounding out??

 

[wmsclan]

Re: Wiring problem driving me crazy

Also, this thing runs like a champ out of the water hooked to the garden hose. Its only when you put it in the water it acts up, in neutral in the water it idles fine. As you can see, I'm not the brightest when it comes to boats. Just got off the phone with the guy I got it from and he says it ran fine after he got it out of the shop from having the lower unit worked on, it wasn't until he tried to hook up the generic switch that it started die'ing once he put it in gear in the water. Do you have any idea where I could get a manual for this thing??

 

[evin300]

Re: Wiring problem driving me crazy

I think the problem could be in either place. Since the lower unit was just re-sealed I am suspicious and would look in that direction. Have you checked the oil/water? in the lower unit yet? Water and electricity dont work very well together, Just a hunch. Mike

 

[evin300]

Re: Wiring problem driving me crazy

PS You have electrical wires inside your lower unit are surrounded by oil normally, but if this seal went bad it is now surrounded with water possibly. Also try eliminating the generic switch (unplug) the wires.

 

[evin300]

Re: Wiring problem driving me crazy

Sorry to keep posting so much but I keep thinking about this. Go to a dealer buy a switch, since he sells you the switch he will probably print a shematic for you. Then get a meter and confirm that the circuit is ok, then put the correct switch in. There really are no shortcuts with a marine motor, the price paid for the shortcut will usually cost you dearly. I am wondering how that oil looks in the lower unit. Good Luck

 

[wmsclan]

Re: Wiring problem driving me crazy

Just came in from running a continuity check on the old switch, it was shorted. Hopefully water in the lower unit did not short the switch and it was all caused from age. I am going out tomorrow and buying a replacement switch. Praying this will solve the problem. Also going to replace the spark plugs just to say I did. Ran a compression check today and had 100 in each but #3 didn't seem to be hitting very strong.

 

[wmsclan]

Re: Wiring problem driving me crazy

PS, thanks for all the time!!!!