Kill switch install Merc 800 80HP

Moody Blue

Captain
Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
3,136
Finally getting around to wiring up the boat and want to add a kill switch.

Bought a generic panel mount kill switch with four terminals. Two are marked MAG and the other two I think are marked COIL. Don't have it with me right now to check.

Which two terminals do I use and where do I connect this switch to? Do I need to run wires right back to the motor? IS it possible to gain access to the Mercontrol box?
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
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Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,554
Re: Kill switch install Merc 800 80HP

Moody, The hookup of that switch depends on the ignition system of your motor. If you have a dissy, the ignition is powered by +12VDC. If that switch will open when tripped, you can connect it in series with the white wire in teh MerControl.

If you have the four coil ignition, and the switch closes when tripped, connect it to the orange wire in teh MerControl, and ground the other pole of the kill switch.
 

Moody Blue

Captain
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May 24, 2004
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3,136
Re: Kill switch install Merc 800 80HP

Thanks for the reply Chris.

Motor does have a distributor with a single coil. So if I remove +12 from the white terminal on the switchbox, the motor will die? I can connect the kill switch as either NO or NC.

So I should be able to interrupt the +12 on the white wire anywhere between the Mercontrol and the switchbox.
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,554
Re: Kill switch install Merc 800 80HP

You will likely need to put the kill switch just downstream of the ignition switch. That should be the less messiest installation.
 

Moody Blue

Captain
Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
3,136
Re: Kill switch install Merc 800 80HP

Yep, I opened up the MerControl box yesterday to take a look. Wiring is in good condition still inside so I will cut the wire inside the control and bring out two leads to the kill switch.
 
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