Broken key thingy

[dozer1013]

sorry to be so technical in the title...

Every time I started the boat the nut where the key goes in would loosen and the whole thing would turn so today I had the brilliant idea to tighten it

As you can see in the pic, I broke it while attempting to tighten it. It didn't take much to break it either

Questions are
1. what is that thing called?
2. How do I fix/replace it?

I'm hoping that by holding it with one hand I can still turn the key with the other because I'm going fishing in the morning

Thanks for any tips

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: Broken key thingy

It's called the ignition switch, as all you do when you turn the key is turn a momentary on/off switch.

To fix it, go buy a new ignition switch and install it. You should still be able to turn the key if you hold the cylinder in your hand and start the engine.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Broken key thingy

And if you continue to twist and pull the switch you are also twisting and pulling the wires on the back side. Hope you have some paddles with you or at least know how to bypass the ignition and jump start the engine. Pop the wires off the switch and you are dead in the water.

 

[dozer1013]

Re: Broken key thingy

It's called the ignition switch, as all you do when you turn the key is turn a momentary on/off switch.

To fix it, go buy a new ignition switch and install it. You should still be able to turn the key if you hold the cylinder in your hand and start the engine.

Thanks for the info, I was able to start it no problem by holding the cylinder with some pliers

My switch is of the push-to-choke variety...are all of those basically wired the same?
I mean, can I buy any switch that is push-to-choke and be good to go or are there specific ones for specific makes?

Probably the best bet is to take a look at the connections I have and match that up to a new switch

 

[jhebert]

Re: Broken key thingy

Read

continuousWave: Whaler: Reference: Ignition Switch

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Broken key thingy

Although the switch connections for push to choke switches are fairly universal, it must still fit in the available space.

 

[dozer1013]

Re: Broken key thingy

Read

continuousWave: Whaler: Reference: Ignition Switch

Great link! thanks!!

 

[dozer1013]

Re: Broken key thingy

Although the switch connections for push to choke switches are fairly universal, it must still fit in the available space.

Good point, before ordering I'm going to get in there and take a bunch of pics and measurements to be sure I get the right configuration and size