ignition switch bad?

[clough]

Hello again. Fuel pump problem was fixed (earlier posts) but now, my ignition does not disengage when I turn the key off (and even remove it). To stop the motor from spinning, I had to remove the battery ground cable. When I even touch it to the ground post on the motor, it sparks and the starter engages despite the fact that the key is off. Is my ignition switch in the control box bad or could this be something else. Thanks, 75 HP, 77 Johnson Stinger outboard.

 

[ob]

Re: ignition switch bad?

I would guess either a defective ignition switch or starter solenoid is stuck in the closed position.This is providing everything is wired correctly.

 

[rwise]

Re: ignition switch bad?

Remove the little wire/s from your starter solinoid. Then try to rehook the battery cable, if it still turns over then its the solinoid! Do be aware that spark at your battery can cause explosion of the battery, if you have a good (200amp) chager use that instead of the battery.

 

[Stumpys]

Re: ignition switch bad?

I agree... It is probably a stuck solenoid. Low voltage causes them to stick sometimes. (IE: bad connections / bad battery) Follow rwise's advise... If this does not work, then the switch has most likely burned the contacts together.

 

[clough]

Re: ignition switch bad?

OK, I'll do that test, but in the mean time, can the solenoid (if its stuck) be serviced or do they require replacement.

 

[Snowdrggn]

Re: ignition switch bad?

Rwise: Would it not be better/safer to unhook the little wires AND the starter lead from the solenoid, then reconnect the battery and check the starter terminal with a test light? Or check across the large terminals of the solenoid with an ohm meter with the battery not connected at all? There would be no danger of heavy arcing or large sparks that way.<br /><br />Just my 2 cents

 

[rwise]

Re: ignition switch bad?

Snowdrggn<br />If a test tool (light or meter) is available then yes take a reading across the two big terminals with the positive cable disconnected or (at least) one of the two big cables (from battery positive or to the starter) disconnected there should be no reading (or light burning)(maybe on the highest ohms scale) between the two big terminals. (But I have found digital meters to give false readings from time to time.) <br /><br />#1 rule be safe!<br />Richard

 

[Namcali]

Re: ignition switch bad?

Sticky starter solenoids usually need to be replaced. <br /><br />Test with a meter or a light is a lot safer for you and for the boat. Please follow the advise above for your safety.<br /><br />Good luck,<br /><br />Nam

 

[clough]

Re: ignition switch bad?

I'll go with the meter - but again, is the solenoid servicable if its "stuck"?

 

[clough]

Re: ignition switch bad?

Thanks, I just found out how much the new solenoids cost - at least some things are still a good deal ($12-13 bucks).