Evinrude - Ignition Switch????!

hobiecat

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 12, 2006
Messages
33
I'm hoping that one of you guys might be able to help me out...

I've got an '87 60hp Evinrude (E60ELCUC). Last year I was having problems with the Starter motor staying on after the key had been released and even turned off. In fact, I burned up and replaced a starter. I assumed this was a problem with either the ignition switch or the starter solenoid. Since thet are both relatively inexpensive, I decided to change out both and be sure I got the problem taken care of. I bought an ignition switch off of Ebay that was supposed to replace many different models, mine included. When I received the ignition switch I notice that the terminals on it were marked a little bit differently... the original had six terminals marked; M-motor, M-motor (raised), B-battery, S-solenoid,C-choke, A-accessory... the new switch also had six terminals but they were marked; M-motor, M-motor (raised), B-battery, S-solenoid, C-choke, I-ignition. after some research, including talking to my local dealer, I came to the conclusion (wrongly or rightly) that the I and A terminals were interchangeable. So, I hooked the wires that would normally be hooked to the A terminal to the I terminal. After getting the switch in, I tried starting the boat... nothing. I don't even hear a click from the solenoid.

So, my questions are...
1.) Do you think I've got the wrong switch, even though I've been told otherwise?
2.) If the switch is wrong, is there a chance I fried something else... if so, what?
3.) If the switch is right, where do I start?
4.) This maybe a stupid one... if the switch is right, is there a main fuse that may have blown?

Right now, I'm thinking I should just order a switch that I know is correct, install it, and go from there.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 

Randyg123

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 20, 2008
Messages
337
Re: Evinrude - Ignition Switch????!

I'm hoping that one of you guys might be able to help me out...

I've got an '87 60hp Evinrude (E60ELCUC). Last year I was having problems with the Starter motor staying on after the key had been released and even turned off. In fact, I burned up and replaced a starter. I assumed this was a problem with either the ignition switch or the starter solenoid. Since thet are both relatively inexpensive, I decided to change out both and be sure I got the problem taken care of. I bought an ignition switch off of Ebay that was supposed to replace many different models, mine included. When I received the ignition switch I notice that the terminals on it were marked a little bit differently... the original had six terminals marked; M-motor, M-motor (raised), B-battery, S-solenoid,C-choke, A-accessory... the new switch also had six terminals but they were marked; M-motor, M-motor (raised), B-battery, S-solenoid, C-choke, I-ignition. after some research, including talking to my local dealer, I came to the conclusion (wrongly or rightly) that the I and A terminals were interchangeable. So, I hooked the wires that would normally be hooked to the A terminal to the I terminal. After getting the switch in, I tried starting the boat... nothing. I don't even hear a click from the solenoid.

So, my questions are...
1.) Do you think I've got the wrong switch, even though I've been told otherwise?
2.) If the switch is wrong, is there a chance I fried something else... if so, what?
3.) If the switch is right, where do I start?
4.) This maybe a stupid one... if the switch is right, is there a main fuse that may have blown?

Right now, I'm thinking I should just order a switch that I know is correct, install it, and go from there.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I hate to ask the first question that came to my mind, but did you disconnect the battery when you re-wired the switch? If so, is everything hooked back up? There is probably a fuse on that line. Mine is an in-line fuse up by the solenoid.
 

hobiecat

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 12, 2006
Messages
33
Re: Evinrude - Ignition Switch????!

Yeah, I hooked everything back up... or atleast I think I did. I attached all the wires to the ignition switch and hooked up the two main battery cables. Would I need to hook up more??
 

ezeke

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 19, 2003
Messages
12,532
Re: Evinrude - Ignition Switch????!

The raised M is the black and yellow kill wire running to the power pack. The other M is the black ground wire coming from the engine block.

The fuse is a short 20 AMP fuse in a holder off the solenoid's incoming large post.

Here's a link to a thread with diagrams, scroll down to find the wiring:

http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/ignitionSwitch.html
 

hobiecat

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 12, 2006
Messages
33
Re: Evinrude - Ignition Switch????!

I have everything hooked up right according to the article. Also, the article seems to indicates that the A and I terminals are interchangeable as well. Is this the case? I just want to make sure that I'm not p***ing up a rope here with the wrong switch. Is there any difference in the A and I terminals? The switch I have has spots for an A terminal and an I terminal, but only an I terminal in place... why would they do that if they are interchangeable????

Sounds like I need to look at that fuse when I get home tonight.
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: Evinrude - Ignition Switch????!

The switch is correct. You may have a problem with the start-in-neutral switch. Or you have the wrong solenoid or wired incorrectly.
 

hobiecat

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 12, 2006
Messages
33
Re: Evinrude - Ignition Switch????!

OK, as ezeke stated the issue was a blown fuse. It's running great. Thanks.

Now I have another problem... It won't shut off with the key. If I pull the emergency kill switch (kanyard) it shuts off, but if I turn the key off and even take it out it just keeps running. This just started after replacing the following; starter solenoid, rectifier, ignition switch. The starter solenoid and rectifier I hooked up exactly like the ones I took off. The ignition switch is hooked up like the diagram in the article linked here.

Any ideas why it would be doing this???
 

ezeke

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 19, 2003
Messages
12,532
Re: Evinrude - Ignition Switch????!

Both the ignition switch and the lanyard switch share the same black with yellow kill wire (large M), and are grounded to the same black ignition ground (M). The rest of the wire must be good or the lanyard would not work.

Run your ohmmeter from M to M on the ignition switch. You should have a reading when the switch is off and none in the run position.
 

hobiecat

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jul 12, 2006
Messages
33
Re: Evinrude - Ignition Switch????!

Thanks, ezeke. I figured the lanyard and the key shared a common circuit, and since the switch is practically brand new... that is what has had me scratching my head. I will check the switch tonight when I get home.
 
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