Clueless if keyless

[jal]

Left for vacation with wife, grandkids (2), rv and boat. Set up camp, then backed the boat into lake. No key, it was left at home. Remembered where I hid a key years ago. All was well. Question, if I did not have that spare, is there a way to start the motor without a key.
Thanks,
jal

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Clueless if keyless

Depends upon the engine! Some of the electronic ignition engines used a system that acted like a magneto and they had a separate stop circuit. You need to identify the kill wire either at the switch or at the engine terminal and disconnect it. Problem is once the engine starts running, it will not stop until you reconnect the wire. Then you find the starter solenoid and take power from the battery side to the positive terminal on the solenoid or jump the "BAT" or "B" terminal on the switch to the "S" terminal. This will close the solenoid and crank the starter. Varies from engine to engine though and you would need to have done your homework beforehand. Try the engine repair forum for your brand.

 

[salty87]

Re: Clueless if keyless

yeah, hot wire it

another option that might work is to hit the local marine store and hope they have new ignition switches...fairly cheap fix that doesn't require any hacking.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Clueless if keyless

On an older two stroke all you need to do is disconnect the large control cable plug in the engine cowl and jump the starter solenoid. She will run just fine although you won't have operational gauges. The problem comes when you want to shut it off. Choke it, flood it with the primer solenoid, or pull the fuel line off. On newer ECM engines you may need a little more knowledge about the engine electrics.

 

[marquette]

Re: Clueless if keyless

i just needed a key this past weekend. i called the local boat dealer and he said to bring the boat over. he brought out a ring of master keys he uses when people don't leave the key on boats being serviced. he tried them until he found the right key, looked at the number on the key, told the parts guy i needed key number such and for $4.64 cents i was on my way. i don't know if all boat dealers would do that but Hannay's Marine in minneapolis had me on the road out of town for the weekend in less than 15 minutes.