1970 55 hp chrysler ignition help????

[timbecht]

OK my motor started a month ago with no probs but now when i go to start it it turns over but wont stay running well this is where it gets interesting if i hold the key over it starts and stays running the starter gear drops back down and you can throttle it all day long as soon as i let off the key it dies i think i need new key switch the one on it now has 3 spots for wires on the outside of it and one in the middle should i get a different one and if so which one please post link will buy for here thanks for all the help any info on this would be great

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 1970 55 hp chrysler ignition help????

Really not a lot to go on, but I'm good!

It sounds like you have battery and coils ignition with the coils mounted on the side of the engine or even possibly on the side of the head.

This type ignition needs 12 volts from the ignition switch RUN position to the coils (usually a blue wire.

NOW: The ignition switch itself is rigged internally so the blue wire gets power when the key is in either in RUN or START position.

THUS: Your ignition switch is bad and the coils are only getting power when in the START position. It stalls if you let off the key.

You can get away with a different one, BUT the stock ignition switch is a standard 6 terminal, push to choke switch sold right here on iboats. Just click on the blue bar up top, boat parts and accessoties or boat motor parts.