evinrude 68 18hp 18802a, how to bypass key switch? is this a short shaft?

[dkonrai]

i just picked up this nice evi, 69 18hp. has electric start but no key.
wires at the key switch:

white (to start solinoid)
green (electric choke)
red (? 12v poer ?)
brown/or black (magneto?)
black (magneto?)

i think this is the correct order, how can i bypass the key? do i twist the two blacks together, then switch the red and white? i also need to power the choke, but i can handle that, i believe that the green wire?

also, i measured the height and it seems to be 17 inches from the transom to the cav plate. isnt a shorty more like 15 inches?? im confused...
thanks
dino

 

[rrw]

Re: evinrude 68 18hp 18802a, how to bypass key switch? is this a short shaft?

Hi, I believe the magneto wires need to be open(unhooked) for it to run, id put a switch in for those 2, then install a bush button for the starter, with 12v positive and your starter solenoid wire. An on/off toggle with a push button is way cooler then a key. Doing it that way though the motor will still turn over with switch in off position, but won't start. So before you swear at your motor for not starting remember to flip switch on. As far as the shaft length I think there can be a couple inch variance, not positive though. Hope this helps, Ryan

 

[dkonrai]

Re: evinrude 68 18hp 18802a, how to bypass key switch? is this a short shaft?

ryan,
thanks. i wondered if the mag needed to be open or closed, good idea about a switch,
now i gotta dig around in the garage. i actually think i may have a spare ignition switch.
thank again
dino

 

[rrw]

Re: evinrude 68 18hp 18802a, how to bypass key switch? is this a short shaft?

Oh boy find some old parts laying around in the garage. Hard to beat that. I shoulda mentioned you probably only have one magneto wire, the one that you hook up to it on the switch will just be a ground. So if you have a volt meter or even a test light it can help you narrow it down.