OMC ignition switch: what are those letters?

[closerhauled]

I pulled my ignition switch from my OMC remote controller to take it to the shop for a new key. I dutifully numbered each wire as it came off the back of the switch, and unsed a permanent pen to mark the terminal it came off of with that same number. Great plan, huh? I though I was pretty smart saving about $80 so the locksmith wouldn't have to come out to the boat. I thought that until I realized the permanent ink was not so permanent. The numbers rubbed off! Now I don't know how to replace the wires on the correct terminals. I noticed (too late) that the terminals were already coded with letters. They are, clockwise from the single raised terminal (which is marked "M"): S, C, A, M, B. Anyone know which color wire goes with which letter? The wires are purple/white, yellow, red, black, and purple (two wires together). The motor on the boat is a 25HP mid 80's Evinrude. The controller was probably installed before that motor was put on, however. The boat is a '60s vintage.<br /><br />Any help would be very much appreciated!

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: OMC ignition switch: what are those letters?

CloserHauled...."M"): S, C, A, M, B. Anyone know which color wire goes with which letter? The wires are purple/white, yellow, red, black, and purple <br /><br />Raised "M" (Magneto) = Black/yellow stripe.<br /><br />S (Solenoid) = Yellow<br /><br />C (Choke) = Purple/White<br /><br />A (Accessories) = Purple<br /><br />B (Battery) = Red<br /><br />Regular "M" = Black

 

[closerhauled]

Re: OMC ignition switch: what are those letters?

Now that's impressive Joe. Did you do that from memory? I really appreciate the info. I'll hook up the switch tomorrow...<br /><br />Quick follow-up question, if you don't mind: My Evinrude idles great and runs well, but only pushes my 16 foot Pacific Mariner at about 6 knots. Unfortunately, I already had (recently) paid for the boat, motor, and trailer when I discovered the motor was weak! Previous owner said it would go about 24 MPH. <br /><br />I'm using new gas / oil and everything seems fine (no fuel leaks, etc.) The inside of the motor is a bit rusty, though.<br /><br />Any thoughts?

 

[ob]

Re: OMC ignition switch: what are those letters?

you'll need to determine what rpms you are reving at WOT. motor should be propped to run at or near the recommended WOT for your motor .Probably around 5500rpm .However if youdon't have a tach or someone familiar with particular motor to do audible guess you'll have to trial and error some different props.

 

[closerhauled]

Re: OMC ignition switch: what are those letters?

Thanks for the reply, OB. It does seem the rems are low. I'll try to get a tach on it. <br /><br />Could the wrong prop really make such a major difference?

 

[ob]

Re: OMC ignition switch: what are those letters?

Oh yeh .for instance say i've got a motor that the rpm range calls for 5500 at wot and i have it propped to turn 4500 at wot , not only will i lug and overheat motor , i will not get the speed it is capable of .the opposite scenario if i had the same motor and under propped it for the same boat the motor would run more rpms than the optimal range and would simply slip and overrev motor .

 

[closerhauled]

Re: OMC ignition switch: what are those letters?

Makes sense. Come to think of it, the previous owner said he had changed the prop. I think I'll take it into the local repair shop and have them check it out...<br /><br />Thanks much!