mercury switch disconnected, why?

[airwalkin]

I bought a boat recently with a 79 V-150. While doing some work under the hood, I noticed that the mercury switch is disconnected, as well as the idle stabiliser. I know what the idle stabiliser does and read the mixed opinions on it, but what does the mercury switch do and why would it be disconnected? I see in a wiring diagram it is connected to the switch boxes, but that's all I know. Thanks for the help.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: mercury switch disconnected, why?

it is used to KILL the motor if it tilts up too far for any reason, so if it hits a log and flies upward, the mercury switch will deaden out the ignition. they get old and die. i disconnected mine once