Ignition switch - worth it to re-key (1963 Merc 1000)

[bh357]

Is it worth it to have a new key made for this igintion switch? A local locksmith can do it for ~$20. If not, which ignition switch on Iboats would be a best replacement for it? The motor is a 1963 Merc 1000 and has the original controls. I don't know if the switch works or not, but I got the motor without a key.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Ignition switch - worth it to re-key (1963 Merc 1000)

if it was working ok, re-key for $20.

 

[Kenny Bush]

Re: Ignition switch - worth it to re-key (1963 Merc 1000)

$ 20.00 sounds like a good price to me. My 64' was keyless and my merc dealer got me a ring of about 300 masterkeys. I took them home and what seemed like key 299, I found it. Then the merc dealer order me a couple of keys. The whole process took about 2 weeks. While I was waiting for the keys, I was telling myself I should have called a locksmith......... Merc keys ended up costing me $8.00 each.

 

[ledgefinder]

Re: Ignition switch - worth it to re-key (1963 Merc 1000)

A good Merc dealer can have you walking out with a key in 2 minutes, for $3. Best to try it on the off-season if you can wait - right now they may be busy hauling boats. If you can bring the controls with you, you won't have to sort through as many keys - my guy can narrow it down to 20 or so by looking at the type of lock.

 

[bh357]

Re: Ignition switch - worth it to re-key (1963 Merc 1000)

Any way of testing the switch without a key? When I tested the motor I started it by jumping the wires.

 

[ledgefinder]

Re: Ignition switch - worth it to re-key (1963 Merc 1000)

Sure. Mastertech's website (www.maxrules something) has an "Old Mercs" technical area with wiring diagrams for your motor. The diagram will tell you what the various wires should be doing when the switch is at "start", "on" and "off". You'll need a volt-ohm-meter.