no power at the key switch

[78beachcraft]

Hi there,

I have a 78 beachcraft with a good wrench 350, and a mercruiser 228. This morning I was planning an outing, and noticed that there was no power at the key or dash, the power trim does have power however. I was wondering if anyone can link to the right service manual or suggest where to start looking for electrical issues. I'm glad it happened in the driveway rather than on the water.

thanks in advance.

Kelly

 

[gozierdt]

Re: no power at the key switch

If you go to the Electrical/Electronics section of this forum, there are several generic wiring diagrams stuck to the top of the page. They should help you. You'll need a VOM, or a test light at a minimum, to troubleshoot your problem. It sounds like the main power lead up to the dash has been damaged, or a fuse in it has blown.

 

[Don S]

Re: no power at the key switch

There is nothing in the electrical forum in those generic diagrams that shows power to the ignition system.
if you don't have voltage on the red wire going to ignition switch, look at the engines circuit breakers if you have power there, follow the wiring to the switch and find where the power stops.

 

[78beachcraft]

Re: no power at the key switch

thanks for the replies, I did look at the trouble shooting start issues guide, I'll check the breaker.

 

[NHGuy]

Re: no power at the key switch

The wire feeding power to the key switch will have a 20 amp fuse before the switch if it is wired per the "all V8" guide I was looking at last night.
Not sure when they went to the BIA wiring color plan, if it's BIA the wire is red & yellow.

 

[78beachcraft]

Re: no power at the key switch

I havnt had a chance to get back out there, it was in fine working order last week, I replaced the shift interrupt switch, started it but didnt take it out to test, parked it for a week and now no power at the key switch, electrical diagnosis is my weakest area. I may just take it to Nelson Marine, he a good friend.

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: no power at the key switch

Could be something do do with the interrupt switch you just replaced? I would check into that first.

 

[78beachcraft]

Re: no power at the key switch

ok, back in business, My buddy the marine tech had me poke around with the test light, and he determined that, on the starter selinoid theres a little cube fuse, that was the problem, $21.00.
easy fix.

 

[NHGuy]

Re: no power at the key switch

Boo ya, launch her!

 

[78beachcraft]

Re: no power at the key switch

I like it when hes too busy to work on it so he tells me how to fix it.

 

[78beachcraft]

Re: no power at the key switch

Launched yesterday,ran great,shifted great...out of gear was the issue, had a great time, taking the family out tonight, picnic, left over grilled chicken, fireworks (a day early) and a night cruise back to the ramp. looking forward to it.

 

[78beachcraft]

Re: no power at the key switch

was I beautifull evening