Engine dies after releasing ignition switch

[west123]

I have a 1988 Bayliner Trophy with a 3.0 OMC Cobra. The other day I was coming in at about 4200 rpm when the engine just died. When I turned the ignition to start it, there was no power at the switch, checking, I found the ignition fuse had blown. Replaced that and then when I tried to start the engine, it ran just until I released the key and then it would die. I ran a jumper wire from the battery to the hot side of the coil and the engine ran. I thought it was the resistor wire, so I ran a line directly from the alternator to the coil, no go. I'm baffled.

 

[Trent]

Re: Engine dies after releasing ignition switch

If memory of that engine serves me right the power to the coil comes from the oil pressure switch. Must have oil pressure so the engine will run or the switch is bad. But thats from my fading memory?

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: Engine dies after releasing ignition switch

Had one the other day do the same thing to a customer. Quit and had to be towed in. Went thru two shade tree mechanics and finally drug it to my shop. His kill lanyard had been pulled just enough to kill the engine.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Engine dies after releasing ignition switch

I had a key switch go bad on me once and had to cruise home with my hand holding the key to the on position. charlie

 

[west123]

Re: Engine dies after releasing ignition switch

After about 4 hours of going through things yesterday, I tracked it down to the kill switch. Capt Ken, I wish I would have known about this site about 2 days ago, would have saved me a whole lot of time. Thanks for the responses. Trent, your memory is still pretty good though, the same line connects to tach and oil gauges.

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: Engine dies after releasing ignition switch

OK, now be honest. Was the kill switch bad or just tripped?

 

[west123]

Re: Engine dies after releasing ignition switch

It would be difficult to fess up to that, but it did fail. I had the test light to it and even after moving the pin around thinking that there may be a poor contact it just doesn't work.