Merc 1000SS - Mercury Switch ????

[SCChrisB]

I have a 69 1000SS, with a part that needs replacing.. It seems to be working fine, but the wiring is shot. The insulation is mostly gone and the wires have a significant amount of corrosion. My manual indicates this as "mercury switch". One side grounds to the frame the other ties to the "switch box assembly" this terminal also serves the "Brown wire" going to the distributer. My local dealer can't figure out, over the phone, what this thing is. I have digital pics, and will remove this to take in, but, What in the wide world of sports is this and what does this thing do???<br /><br />Chris

 

[steelespike]

Re: Merc 1000SS - Mercury Switch ????

If you strike something while at speed and motor kicks up it will kill motor so it doesnt over rev.

 

[SCChrisB]

Re: Merc 1000SS - Mercury Switch ????

Thanks! That makes sense, I have another question for you. Do you know, is its normal state in contact or out of contact? to restate in the event of a collision and the motor swinging up and free of the obstruction, does the mercury switch break contact or make contact? <br /><br />Chris

 

[corm]

Re: Merc 1000SS - Mercury Switch ????

makes it, tape up the wires and have fun.<br />corm

 

[SCChrisB]

Re: Merc 1000SS - Mercury Switch ????

Thanks All!<br /><br />Chris<br /><br />Having Fun!

 

[Jumper]

Re: Merc 1000SS - Mercury Switch ????

Chris<br />I've got a 73 Merc 850 and mine was shot as well. What my dealer told me was I didn't need to replace it if I had tilt and trim (which I do). He said with T/T, if I hit something at high speed and knock the motor out of the water, I've bigger problems to worry about. So you might ask that question if yours has tilt and trim (I don't know much if anything about motors) Hope this helps

 

[dmessy]

Re: Merc 1000SS - Mercury Switch ????

If you have your motor tipped up and try to start it( at the boatramp perhaps?) the mercury switch will not allow it to start.

 

[SCChrisB]

Re: Merc 1000SS - Mercury Switch ????

Thanks guys!<br />I had to install a T/T due to the tightening up of the tilt tube. It sounds like the greatest hazard right now is the potentual for a short due to the lack of insulation and corroded bare wiring.<br /><br />Chris