emergency cut off switch

[medic]

I have an older boat. A 1982 MHP 16ft tri-hull with a 4cyc GM engine (inboard)with OMC sterndrive. It does not have an emergency cut off switch and I am wanting to put one on it. I got a new one off of ebay, but now I am concerned. Here is the name of the switch...T-H Marine KS-1 Saf-T-Stop Ignition Cut-Off Switch. It says it is for outboard application. Can I use this on my inboard? How or why not?<br /><br />It has 2 wires. One black, one red and some markings on the side that say, "6 amps 125 VAC" and "3 amps 250 VAC". I could be wrong, but it appears to kill the engine by grounding it out instead of breaking a circuit.<br /><br />Can anyone help me with this dilemma?<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[Walt T]

Re: emergency cut off switch

Attach one wire to ground, and the other wire to the - terminal on your coil. It should work fine.

 

[medic]

Re: emergency cut off switch

The terminal on my coil? I assume that this wire runs to the key switch.

 

[rattana]

Re: emergency cut off switch

The 120/250 volts rating is the maximum voltage you can safely run through the switch without frying it. Of course you are just going to use it with 12VDC. Do like dieselwalt says, connect one wire to the negative terminal on your coil and the other wire to ground.

 

[arks]

Re: emergency cut off switch

Why don't you just go down to your local marine retailer and get one for an I/O? I installed one on my '85 Wellcraft with no problems, and I only had to run the wires from the key switch. Easy directions were included with the kit and it was not that expensive (maybe 20 bucks.....). While you're there pick up a spare lanyard for the toolbox.

 

[medic]

Re: emergency cut off switch

When I bought this one (ebay) I did not realize it was for outboards (apparently only for outboards) and am wondering what is the difference. Since they are both controlled with a key. <br /><br />So I if do keep this particular switch, I would run my wire directly to the coil. Is there no way to hook this up to the key (which is more convenient)?<br /><br />I may just have to change it out for the I/O one.

 

[fireship1]

Re: emergency cut off switch

Hello, A switch is a switch. There is nothing special about the one for I/O 's as compared to the one for outboards. The rating on the side has nothing to do with marine ratings, ignore it. It's just telling you that the switch (sold as a generic momentary switch) can handle ac power as per the part. You can hook it to the keyswitch without running wires back to the coil. You just need to use a meter to find out what terminal is hot when the key is in the run position. Just turn it to run without starting it and probe away. That will be the feed that powers the ignition system. Cut that wire and splice it to both terminals on the switch. Mount it and put the clip on. When engine is running if clip should be pulled off your engine will kill. I would do like arks says and have a spare clip with lanyard aboard. Makes it a bit easier to get home if you loose the original one! Good luck

 

[medic]

Re: emergency cut off switch

Just as I figured, I have a problem. Apparently this switch is designed to kill the engine by closing a circuit and grounding out the ignition source.<br /><br />I rigged up a test to determine this. When the switch is in the run position, no current is flowing through it. When the laynard is pulled, flipping the toggle to the off(kill) position, current then flows through the switch.<br /><br />Back to square one.

 

[Bondo]

Re: emergency cut off switch

Just as I figured, I have a problem. Apparently this switch is designed to kill the engine by closing a circuit and grounding out the ignition source.

In this case,<br />Either take the switch apart,+ Reverse it, Then wire it like Fireship1 says........<br />OR,<br />Wire it like DieselWalt says........<br /><br />It'll Still work.........<br />It just Depends on How you Wire It..........

 

[rodbolt]

Re: emergency cut off switch

hello<br /> most kill switches for I/O operate by opening the primary coil circuit.<br />most stop switches for outboards close the circuit to ground to operate.<br /> if you wire the grounding switch to the coil be aware that it now shunts current to ground. if left on for an extended period of time be aware that a heat dissapating method will have to be employed. just go drop 15 dollars at napa auto and buy the correct switch.<br /> good luck and keep posting

 

[medic]

Re: emergency cut off switch

Almost a year to the day...check that out. Anyways.....<br /><br />Had to replace points. Hope that fixed my problem of the engine cutting out after 30 min. I put the points on in the parking lot of the marina before they winterized it. They said it ran, but not well. So now I need to adjust the timing before hitting the water. But that is another story. I am now back to putting a kill switch on it.<br /><br />One of the posts above mentions going to the marina and getting the correct switch. Which I know will be at least 3 times the average price. Another post says to go to napa. Sounds good. But does anyone have a compatable part number?<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[nms1991]

Re: emergency cut off switch

The part number I have that will work is MP40970 which is a seirrs number but the napa book uses the same numbers. It is under the electrical products section in the book.

 

[medic]

Re: emergency cut off switch

Can't find that part number at Napa online. I will try to stop by there tomorrow and check. How do you guys find those numbers anyways? Thanks a million.

 

[Don S]

Re: emergency cut off switch

Many NAPA stores carry Sierra parts. Not a surprise they don't list it online, it's not a NAPA part, and there is life other than ONLINE.<br />Sierra parts are also stocked at marine stores.<br /><br />You really need to slow down and stop rushing into things. In a couple of years I will post a picture to show you how to wire any switch you have. It's already been explained several times on how to do it right, so once you figure out which way you want to do it, say so.