Changing the ignition switch

[Lynchpin]

Hi All,

Not sure if this is in the right spot, but, is it difficult to change the ignition switch on a mercury throttle control?

Am having the vacation from hell and the latest thing to go wrong is that i have lost the boat key. I can hear you all now calling me a twit and i have to agree. It has been something like "National Lampoons Vacation"

Anyway, is it a job for an expert boat mechanic/ electrician or is it not as hard as i would think??

Regards, Paul

 

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: Changing the ignition switch

Info Needed: Year and Manufacturer of motor (if outboard or otherwise).

Older outboard controls are VERY easy to pick, without dabbling in wiring. You can try a similar key (never force it) and wiggle and play with it. Try all the little keys on the ring! Or with a very small flat screwdriver, and a small steel rod or allen key (something strong) you can pick the ignition. As a person that dabbles in locks for a living, and done this very thing it`s very easy to pick...before cutting wires give it a try.

On newer boats, I doubt this will work....

Ian

 

[gcboat]

Re: Changing the ignition switch

Look on the ignition switch itself. Depending on your year model there just might be three numbers stamped on it. That will be your ignition code. Take it to any Mercury dealer and they can punch you out a new key. Again, this may or may not be there - but look !!
If not then use explosives or fishy's idea !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Changing the ignition switch

Hi All,

Not sure if this is in the right spot, but, is it difficult to change the ignition switch on a mercury throttle control?

Am having the vacation from hell and the latest thing to go wrong is that i have lost the boat key. I can hear you all now calling me a twit and i have to agree. It has been something like "National Lampoons Vacation"

Anyway, is it a job for an expert boat mechanic/ electrician or is it not as hard as i would think??

Regards, Paul

Please don't tell me that Aunt Edna is strapped to the top of the car again!

 

[bpmcl00]

Re: Changing the ignition switch

try the little fold out metal file on a small pair of nail clippers. They seem to work wonders. jiggle arround a little.

Good luck

 

[Lynchpin]

Re: Changing the ignition switch

Thanks for the tips. The motor is a 94 -95 Merc outboard. Will check if there is the three number code on the barrel.

The trip:.... computer said 5.5 hours, i'm not slow and it took 6.5 to 7 hours. New boat cover ripped and shredded on the way. Bought another temp one, fitted it at destination and ripped when tied it for the first time. Fitted a new tansducer but the bolts fell out on the trip, got the boat in the water, finally, hit the water. Boat started first go, idled, pushed off the jetty then it stalled. Wouldn't start. Paddled to private jetty. still wouldn't start. Called loacal boat mechanic but waited two and a half hours for a no show. Paddledback to the ramp at 4.30 am before the crowds to take it to the local boat mechanic and lost the boat key. Cut the trip short as have had enough. Didn't even get a rod in the water. What a trip?????

 

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: Changing the ignition switch

Huh, now that's something. Ripping a boat cover...you work out alot?!