Kill switch for 6hp Evinrude

warlord69

Seaman Apprentice
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Jun 30, 2002
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Here's a problem that I could really use some help with.I recently bought an inflatable for my two boys,I have a mint condition 1966 Evinrude 6hp "fisherman".However,due to safety concerns I won't let them us the motor until we can install a properly working kill or runaway switch. I bought a switch yesterday and tried every possible way to make it work,but being it has 2 sets of points and 2 condesers on a magneto ignition, the only thing i could get it to do is kill the ignition to one cylinder(and the engine continues to run on 1 cylinder).If I run a jumper to the second set of points the engine won't run at all. I mounted the lanyard type switch on the side of the engine housing and it looks great,but I cant seem to get it working. Does anyone know of a way to install a kill switch that will stop the engine immediately.My boys are a little upset that they can't use the engine this weekend, but I just don't feel right about no kill switch.Safety First! thanks! :confused:
 

warlord69

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Jun 30, 2002
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Re: Kill switch for 6hp Evinrude

does anyone think that this is at all possible?
 

Scoop

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1,158
Re: Kill switch for 6hp Evinrude

The only thing I can think of is a kill switch that has two separate circuits or two kill switches hooked to the same lanyard. -Scoop
 

sag2

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Jun 25, 2002
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33
Re: Kill switch for 6hp Evinrude

Try adding a diode to one set of points. You might need two diodes, one on each wire with the polarity the same direction on each. Don't know if it will work, but for two dollars at radio shack it is worth a try. <br />The diode allows the ground path to go to the points when the lanyard is off, but won't allow the points to see each other while running.<br />If you don't have a multi meter to check the polarity on the diode, they are marked and you can temp wire them both ways just to check. You should not be able to hurt anything in the process.
 

Scoop

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Re: Kill switch for 6hp Evinrude

Sag, I was trying to think of how to use diodes on that. I think if you put the end with the line (negative end) towards the other coil it should work. When each coil fires, it should be a positive chargbe which would be reverse polarity on the diode which the diode would block. When the kill switch was grounded, the negative end would be more negative and the igniton spark should flow to ground. My only concern is how much voltage does the ignition develop? Get diodes that can handle that amount of voltage in reverse. The other concern is the power dissipation when you close the kill switch it grounds. The diode with be the only thing with resistance in the line. Theoretically it should drop .7 volts at whatever amperage the ignition spark is at. My advice is get the biggest diodes you can buy. Worth a shot, stand back in case they overheat. It is possible they will overheat and go out. You should know right away. Not a big danger, but I have seen components that have gone ballistic. Usually a pop, and a couple really small plastic chunks. Use safety goggles just in case.
 

Chinewalker

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Aug 19, 2001
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8,902
Re: Kill switch for 6hp Evinrude

Hiya Warlord,<br /> It's actually quite easy - using the switch you have, run one wire from each set of points. When you ground the switch it will ground out through the opposing set of points, thus killing the engine...<br />- Scott
 

warlord69

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Jun 30, 2002
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Re: Kill switch for 6hp Evinrude

There's no doubt about it , this site and it's members are the greatest.All the responses I recieved were great, however, none of them had worked. The engine continued to run with a diode in place and with a ground in place. After studying a few manuals on evinrudes( the wiring schematics) I devised a way and the procedure to instantly kill the motor by use of a single kill switch with a lanyard by buying a Mercury kill switch. It is a very simple and efficient procedure. As I will describe.<br /> 1.Purchase a 4 prong Mercury kill switch<br /> a. Available locally (made by General of<br /> N.Brunswick NJ 08902)<br /> 2. Drill a 1/2" hole in motor housing<br /> 3. Mount switch in hole<br /> 4. Drill 1/4" hole in Armature plate on throtle<br /> side of plate 1/4" forward of coil.<br /> 5. Snake two(2) pieces of 16ga 18" wire into<br /> hole.<br /> 6. Strip ends and attach wire forks<br /> a. forks or rounds(terminal ends)<br /> 7. Attach the ends to each set of points<br /> a. example: blue to starboard points,<br /> green to port side points.<br /> 8. Silicone seal wires in place at hole <br /> in armature plate(eliminates chaffing<br /> of wires and moisture in armature plate)<br /> 9. Fish wires towards switch and enclose in<br /> a quality electrical tape.<br />10. Strip other ends of wire and attach a <br /> "butt" terminal end.<br />11. Place each end on the N.O. sides(normally<br /> open) of the switch.<br />12. Test run engine<br /> a. pull lanyard to see if engine "kills"<br /> a1. re-install lanyard and ensure engine<br /> starts.<br /><br />This procedure worked for me and now my Kids are as happy as two larks in a meadow. I'm glad I can share this procedure with all of you fellow boaters and if you need help I can walk you through it and send you some digital pictures of the procedure.<br />Remember, If boatin' ain't safe , it ain't fun!<br />One happy father,<br />Scott :) :) :) :) :)
 

warlord69

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Jun 30, 2002
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Re: Kill switch for 6hp Evinrude

forgot to tell you that by doing this , when the switch closes,it grounds both sets of points at the same time........thus killing the engine.<br />And DOES NOT harm the engine or its components in any way. Just to share that with you!
 

Scoop

Lieutenant Junior Grade
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Jul 19, 2002
Messages
1,158
Re: Kill switch for 6hp Evinrude

Thanks for reporting back Warlord. It is great information to have especially since I have a kid that is just about the right age to take my old boat and motor out.
 

warlord69

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 30, 2002
Messages
30
Re: Kill switch for 6hp Evinrude

Sorry about not adding you in on that Chinewalker, you are correct in grounding opposing points will kill it. But it took me a dozen tries and few cold ones to figure out a modern system for an old motor. Anyway the kids had a great time out on their dink today and they sucked up a 6 gallon tank of gas. At this rate I gues my only other problem will be buying and mixing all that gas. But its worth every penny of it. Only in America can you have this much fun with your clothes on!
 
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