Ignition questions?

[LindenLongRods]

Here's the story ,two weeks ago I went fishing and forgot the key.( I know!!!) my ignition needed to be changed anyway. So I replaced it with excatly the same magneto push to choke 6point, 3 postion sierra ignition switch.The starter stays engaged unless I click it back just so,then it will still pop up with slightest bump. Questions..... Does this mean the the switch I bought is no good or cheap it cost $20 bucks? Did I perhaps wire something wrong?(I changed excatly every wire,one at a time) also there are two points that have a M. I know one is for the magneto circuit what is the other one for?

 

[jtexas]

Re: Ignition questions?

what motor? on most outboards made after about 1973 or '74, one M terminal gets black/yellow "kill" wire and the other gets a black ground wire. And those two should have continuity with the key "off". Does your engine shut off when you turn the key off?

on the starter staying engaged, what's happening there is that the B (battery) terminal is not disconnecting from the S (start) terminal easily enough, and they are making contact too easily. I think the switch is either defective or poorly made, but its possible you've used connections that are too close together or in some other way allow them to come into contact.

welcome to iboats!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Ignition questions?

The two "M" terminals are what shut the motor off when you turn the key OFF. In the OFF position these two terminals are connected together. That ground the ignition thus killing the engine. In the RUN position, those two terminals are open (not connected) allowing the ignition to work and hence the engine to run. You should have a wire on both those terminals.

As for the starter, just because you put the wires in the same position on the new switch does not mean the positions are the same on the two switches. You need to go by the labels. "A" = +12V accessory feed (12V with key on). "C" = choke/primer solenoid "M" = magneto (one from ignition, one to ground), "S" = Starter solenoid, "B" = +12V from battery.

 

[LindenLongRods]

Re: Ignition questions?

it's 1987 Johnson 88 SPL ( great engine) Yes it shuts off. I think it is the quality of the switch I'm gonna change it and see. Yes I did go by the ID letters when I changed it.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Ignition questions?

It may be you tightened the mounting nut too tight and the switch is binding.