1973 Merc 7.5 hp kill switch

[tomfg]

I have a 1973 7.5 hp Merc that was hooked up via remote controls on a pontoon boat years ago. The kill switch button was removed for the
remote hook up and is long gone, and just a loose wire hangs inside
the motor. I'm starting to check the motor out after not running 20
years. I assumed the loose wire had to be "un-grounded" for the motor
to have spark. Pulled til I was blue in the face....... no spark!
Next day I looked at it, and decided to try grounding the wire...... good
spark now!
This sounds "back-asswards" the way the kill switch must have worked.
Is It?????
I need to find a replacement switch also, if anyone has ideas of where
I can get one.
I've ordered a water pump impeller for starters. Are they easy to replace
on this model?
Thanks, Tom

 

[lots of boats]

Re: 1973 Merc 7.5 hp kill switch

Hi

Yeh, some of these old motors had a closed ignition system, when you hit the kill button it broke the connection. It is back asswards, I think I still have a manual on this critter someplace, if I find it I'll post something.

Cheers.