What is killing spark on 90 hp

d.r.

Cadet
Joined
Mar 23, 2010
Messages
12
good evening folks, I have just finished replacing stator that shorted out and knocked out my switch boxes. The only way I can get her to run now is to disconnect the kill wires on the switch boxes. As far as I can tell there is no Mercury switch on my motor (1984 90 hp inline) The ignition switch ohms out ok and I was wondering if it is in the switch that keeps the motor from starting in gear. What do you think?
 
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j_martin

Admiral
Joined
Sep 22, 2006
Messages
7,474
Re: kill switch locations

Re: kill switch locations

good evening folks, I have just finished replacing stator that shorted out and knocked out my switch boxes. The only way I can get her to run now is to disconnect the kill wires on the switch boxes. As far as I can tell there is no Mercury switch on my motor (1984 90 hp inline) The ignition switch ohms out ok and I was wondering if it is in the switch that keeps the motor from starting in gear. What do you think?

Depending on the control set, there might be a lanyard switch on the controls that's in the wrong position.
 

d.r.

Cadet
Joined
Mar 23, 2010
Messages
12
Re: kill switch locations

Re: kill switch locations

There is not an external type kill switch on my controls as far as I know. I was surprised that there is not one but there is a plug on the front that I was told is there far plugging in tach wires. I am also curious about a black and yellow wire that is the same color as the kill wires back near the coils. It has never been hooked to anything since I have owned the motor.Can anyone tell me what this wire was for and if it might be related to my problem?
 

RLT III

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 27, 2010
Messages
180
Re: What is killing spark on 90 hp

that wire is the one that should be hooked to the merc safety switch mounted on the front starboard side near the starter
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
Re: What is killing spark on 90 hp

The way these ignitions work is that when the key is in the OFF position the black/yellow wire is grounded. That's what stops the engine, as you have found out. If putting the black/yellow wire on the switchbox kills the engine them you have a short to ground on the black/yellow or a faulty ignition key switch...

Chris............
 
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