No ignition key,help with ignition

[Hukeedo]

I bought a boat and the owner had lost the key. I have a few questions I hope someone can help me with. The motor and controls are a 1970 Mercury 1150 Inline 6 115 Hp. Does anyone know if I can bypass the wires to start it and which ones? He also gave me an ignition switch with a key, but it does not appear to be for a boat. The switch has 6 wires: Purple,black,red,black with yellow stripe,yellow with black stripe and yellow with red stripe. Is there any way to hook this switch up so it starts at the dash and how would I wire it?

 

[rosser1]

Re: No ignition key,help with ignition

I am not a boat mechainic, but yes you can jump the stater solinode to turn it over and start it. as far as the other switch i cant help with out looking up more info on wiring diagrams.

 

[trendsetter240]

Re: No ignition key,help with ignition

A locksmith can rekey it for you if you think its worth it. Also you may be able to purchase a replacement key from an outboard shop. That was the case with an OMC ignition that I had for a 97 model outboard.

 

[jackd1023]

Re: No ignition key,help with ignition

Mark wires and take a picture, before you remove. most marinas carry new ignitions fairly cheap, you will need to bring in the old to match up.

 

[Knightgang]

Re: No ignition key,help with ignition

Agreed, you should be able to get another on eto fix for very little $$$. Replace it, have 2 keys and be good as new...

 

[Laddies]

Re: No ignition key,help with ignition

Any good dealer will have a key set to fix you up with the right key and if you simply want to hear it run take a jacknife and trip the first tumbler in the losk then turn the switch.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: No ignition key,help with ignition

As Laddies said, there are only about 10 keys for all MerControls.

Additonally you can hotwire it with two small jumper wires.

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: No ignition key,help with ignition

That switch you have will not work with your motor as it for a ADI ignition system(breaks ground) you need one for a battery style ignition that supplys 12 volts to ignition box. As for keys there are 12 #'s for new style boxes 1A-1F and 2A-2F. For the older style boxes(1970's) there is about 40 key #'s starting at 101 and up

 

[Hukeedo]

Re: No ignition key,help with ignition

Thanks everyone for the info, it seems as though i am going to just have to break down and get new key made. I found the code inside the box on the tumbler. I have quite a bit of work to do on the boat for the winter, so I'll get a key before next boating season. In the mean time, what wires do I jump to start it?

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: No ignition key,help with ignition

If you have the key number from the ignition switch (inside the control housing) then you are in good shape. Any sizeable repair shop should have a key for you.

I went through the same thing last spring looking for a key for a 1971 Merc 800. Took some looking but found a few at at local marina, and for $1.49 ea I bought all three.

I wouldn't mess with replacing the ignition switch in the controller. Opens up a whole can of worms. Wires are old and frail. If you touch them, the insulation just falls off (ask how I know ). As you have seen, it is very jammed inside the housing and working to get all the wires replaced and fit in place is quite a job.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: No ignition key,help with ignition

Take the key code to the dealer and he will sell you a key. That is by far the easiest thing to do.