Ignition Master Switch Replacement, Dual Inboards

[exodave]

This is a 1979 Cruisers Villavee 288 with Dual Mercruiser 228 MIE engines.

The previous owner of my boat, for whatever reason, had the on/off ignition key replaced with a regular switch. I'd like to put a keylock back in, but I'm having trouble finding the correct type of switch. That starters are controlled by push-buttons at the helms, so it would only need to have 2 positions. I don't want to assume that however he had this wired is correct.



Here is the wiring diagram:



So, do I need to locate a double pole single throw keylock switch to isolate the ignition circuits? If so, I can't seem to find any anywhere. Maybe I'm searching for the wrong thing.

 

[bruceb58]

If you just want off/on. It's single pole though. Not sure if it can handle current of 2 ignitions.
http://www.iboats.com/IGNITION-SWITC...view_id.940430

 

[exodave]

If you just want off/on. It's single pole though. Not sure if it can handle current of 2 ignitions.
http://www.iboats.com/IGNITION-SWITC...view_id.940430

Thanks, Bruce. I was looking at those earlier. Besides the question of current, would I really want to cross these two circuits together through that switch? Feels like a no-no, but maybe I'm wrong. I could go with two separate ignition switches, but who wants that circus every morning?

 

[bruceb58]

May not matter although I bet the inputs to the switch do come from 2 separate fuses. Maybe that isn't a good idea. You blow one ignition fuse and you have no engines running.

Ever thought of just having two ignition switches with keys?

EDIT: More I think about it, you really do need a 2 pole switch. May be hard to find.

 

[exodave]

I did for a second, then imagined the Benny Hill theme music playing every morning while I juggle keys trying to find which one goes where. I suppose I could tell people you have to turn them at precisely the same time or it self destructs.

 

[Silvertip]

For safety and full engine electrical separation it seems separate ignition switches is the only way to go. I would venture a locksmith could key the two switches the same. I also suspect the toggle switch was used to avoid the two switch system. I also suspect that with the toggle switch, both engines ignition system were energized all the time - even when one engine was not running. Which begs to ask -- how does one kill one engine in that situation after both had been started. Which also begs to ask, how did this ever work with ONE keyswitch? And now my head hurts.

 

[exodave]

And now my head hurts.

Indeed. Well, I think I've found some online dealers of very specific electrical components for industrial machinery. It looks like this Might work: http://www.digikey.com/product-deta...-2RM-01AA-G101/A22NK-2RM-01AA-G101-ND/5602795

So I'll order one and check it out. If it doesn't look like it'll work, I guess I'll have to just install 2 keyed switches.

 

[bruceb58]

Which begs to ask -- how does one kill one engine in that situation after both had been started. Which also begs to ask, how did this ever work with ONE keyswitch?

Yes, seems like a safety issue if you can't just kill one engine.