No Mercury Switch?

[johnboywalt]

Hey , I finally have my manual, I was looking through my wiring to make sure it is all good, and what do I find but an orange wire hanging by the solenoid. The book says it's for the mercury switch but I sure as hell can't find the switch anywhere on this thing. Do all mercs have one? And what does it do?

 

[joblo33]

Re: No Mercury Switch?

The mercury switch grounds the ignition (cuts spark) when the engine is tilted up. This avoids the engine from running out of the water but can cause some grief if it gets sticky. When they give trouble some people choose to just disconnect them. There are actually a couple orange wires near the solonoid, one is also for the key-off kill switch. When you turn your key off does the engine kill?<br />Eric

 

[achris]

Re: No Mercury Switch?

JBW,<br /><br />Not all engine have the mercury tilt switch. It would help to know what engine you have, horsepower, year and/or serial number. For Mercs it's better if you post the serial number. All parts listings and manuals are by serial number. <br /><br />Do you have a picture of the switch so you know what you're looking for?<br /><br />Chris..............

 

[johnboywalt]

Re: No Mercury Switch?

It's a merc 500, 2 stroke, 4 cyl, 50 hp, I don't really know if it dies I haven't had it running yet. I have a pick of one in my manual, but I doin't see where on would be, plus i have manual tilt. Thanks.<br /><br />P.S. What should i do with the orange wire?

 

[achris]

Re: No Mercury Switch?

JBW,<br /><br />You haven't included a serial number so I've taken a guess. Here is a pic of where you'll find the switch. It's on the starboard side of the front support bracket. It's item #26.<br /><br />The orange wire is a kill wire. If it's not connected to the mercury switch, make sure it doesn't touch ground, and be careful, it will have about 400 volts on it when the enigne is running.<br /><br />

<br /><br />Chris..............

 

[johnboywalt]

Re: No Mercury Switch?

Thanks I am pretty sure it didn't come with one. I will cap off the wire.

 

[joblo33]

Re: No Mercury Switch?

It should have one. It's located on the exhaust cover on the powerhead (Port side) just behind the throttle lever.<br />Eric