Run a commander when there used to be a mercontrol?

stant1man

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I would like to know if it is possibe to run the Commander Shift Box on my Merc 115 I.L.6 1974. The wiring harness for this seems to be completely different. Is it possible or will I have to search around to find an old Mercontrol? I notice that the wiring colours dont match. Has anyone done this?<br /><br />Many thanks in advance<br /><br />Stan
 

WillyBWright

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Re: Run a commander when there used to be a mercontrol?

There's a song about Loch Lomond isn't there? I live sorta near Lake Superior. Ever hear of the Edmund Fitzgerald? There was a song about that too. Something about a big lake they call Gitchigumee.<br /><br />But I digress. Mechanically, any Merc control will work. Electrically you might have to do some splicing and dicing. Here's the newer color codes. I hope this helps.<br /><br />Red = Battery + (duh)<br />Black = Battery - (duh)<br />Red with a purple stripe = Fused +<br />Purple = Key On +<br />Black with a yellow stripe = Kill<br />Yellow with a black stripe = Choke<br />Green (with a white stripe?) = Trim Down<br />Blue (with a white stripe?) = Trim Up<br />Brown with a white stripe = Trim Sender<br />Tan = Temp Sender<br />Tan with a blue stripe = Hot Horn<br />Gray = Tachometer sender<br /><br />That should about cover it. Good luck.<br /><br />I gotta get me a world map and start sticking pins in it. I was recently helping a gentleman in Sweden that said that they speak English there quite a bit now because of the Internet. English is spreading. Not because of Economics or Politics, but because of Bill Freaking Gates. WOW! Nostradamus never saw that one coming.
 

stant1man

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Re: Run a commander when there used to be a mercontrol?

Thanks for the prompt and rather humerous reply Willie. The information you have given me is fantastic. My engine trouble is a real pain but it is made a pleasure when there are people who are willing to help. Is it possible for you to give me the wire colour that I wire each one to?<br /><br />ie. <br /> <br />Red = Battery + (duh)= Red on your harness<br />Black = Battery - (duh)= Black on you harness<br />Red with a purple stripe = Fused + = and so on<br />Purple = Key On +<br />Black with a yellow stripe = Kill<br />Yellow with a black stripe = Choke<br />Green (with a white stripe?) = Trim Down<br />Blue (with a white stripe?) = Trim Up<br />Brown with a white stripe = Trim Sender<br />Tan = Temp Sender<br />Tan with a blue stripe = Hot Horn<br />Gray = Tachometer sender<br /><br />I know its a lot to ask but it would make my life so much easier and save me blowing anything up :eek:s<br /><br />Many thanks again<br /><br />Its appreciated<br /><br />Stan
 

achris

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Re: Run a commander when there used to be a mercontrol?

Stan,<br /><br />Do you mean like this?<br /><br />
watermark.php
<br /><br />Chris................<br /><br />Willy, The name Gordon Lightfoot suddenly sprung to mind :D
 

WillyBWright

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Re: Run a commander when there used to be a mercontrol?

That'd be the guy. Nice chart!
 

achris

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Re: Run a commander when there used to be a mercontrol?

If you'd like me to send you a copy, post your e-mail address. That goes for everybody. :D I'm just that kinda guy :cool: <br /><br />Chris..............
 

Spidybot

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Re: Run a commander when there used to be a mercontrol?

WillyBWright:<br /><br />It did come as a surprise to our neighbours, the Swedes, that their language (remember the Swedish Chef in the Muppet Show?) was not a worldwide standard :D <br /><br />They tried for years to keep international influence out by making up Swedish words for everything. Eventually, and possibly by means of Internet, they've had to admit that English is a bit more useful ;) <br /><br />Modern operating systems are translated into almost any language so computing as such only forced English in the early years (recall CM/P operating system and the first MS-DOS?) <br /><br />Did you know: Although very old, Denmark is a small country and have long ago realised that we need to be able to communicate by one or more of the major languages. English speaking visitors find it very easy to stay here as you can actually walk up to anybody in the street and start talking your native language without a problem.
 

stant1man

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Re: Run a commander when there used to be a mercontrol?

Wow, Chris, thats superb. I new to all this but the information gathered on this forum will no doubt lead to many happy days on the water! All i have to do now is get my ignition to spark lol!<br /><br />Many thanks<br /><br />Stan
 

achris

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Re: Run a commander when there used to be a mercontrol?

UU,<br /><br />Apparently some Aussie bird's gone and gotten hitched to one of your relatives. Does that make us related? :D <br /><br />Chris............<br /><br />P.S. 'bird' is Australian slang for 'girl'.
 

stant1man

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Re: Run a commander when there used to be a mercontrol?

Ok the colours im working with at the moment are on the engine harness only. So I have -<br /><br />Red - I have put to battery +<br />Black - I have put to battery -<br />White - Purple(Ignition switch +12v)<br />Gray - Yellow/Black(Choke)<br />Yellow - Yellow/Red(Starter Switch to Starter Solenoid)<br />Brown - Grey(Tachometer)<br />Salmon - This wire was part of the old ignition switch and didnt appear to connect to the engine? Do i need it?<br /><br />I have to admit, i have all this info but I dont want to go destroying expensive components. Could you guys confirm for me that this is correct before I go crazy with my pliers and elctricians tape. :eek:p<br /><br />Thanks Guys<br /><br />Stan
 

WillyBWright

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Re: Run a commander when there used to be a mercontrol?

That's your kill wire (black/yellow counterpart). When you turn the key to the Off position, the two terminals on the key switch labeled M are connected and the kill wire is grounded (If it's a Mercury switch, it'll be labeled A,B,C,D...I don't know which is which). That stops the spark. I'm thinking that your ignition system has a distributor? In that case the amplifier gets 12v from the ignition switch and the spark is stopped when the switch is turned off by not getting that 12v anymore. If your ignition system has coils for each cylinder, then yes you'll need that wire to kill the spark.<br /><br />There is a kill circuit on the distributor ignitions as well. There is a mercury switch that will kill the ignition if the motor is tilted too far. You could tap into that if you wish, but I wouldn't consider it necessary if you have a distributor.
 

stant1man

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Re: Run a commander when there used to be a mercontrol?

My engine does have a distributor, but only one coil. I does have the mercury switch that you mention. So is it safe to presume that this being the case I need not do anything with the salmon wire apart from tape it out of the way?
 

stant1man

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Re: Run a commander when there used to be a mercontrol?

Im getting mixed up here, are we talking about the salmon wire or the black/yellow one?
 

stant1man

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Re: Run a commander when there used to be a mercontrol?

Sorry, i had a think about it and now i understand lol, sorry, i ejected a bit of a brain fart there! A bigger problem for me will be identifying the choke wire from the kill switch.
 

stant1man

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Re: Run a commander when there used to be a mercontrol?

so is the choke wire yellow with a black stripe or black with a yellow stripe?
 

WillyBWright

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Re: Run a commander when there used to be a mercontrol?

Kill is black with yellow stripe, Choke is yellow with black stripe. Salmon is the old color for kill which is now black w/ yellow stripe. So yup, just tape it off.<br /><br />Now that you're totally confused should we tell you the difference between Yamaha Mariner colors and Mercury Mariner colors? Nah! That'd be Cruel! ;)
 

stant1man

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Re: Run a commander when there used to be a mercontrol?

lol, thanks guys. Please spare me the confusion. Ill come back and let you all know how i get on.<br /><br />Stan ;o)
 

stant1man

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Re: Run a commander when there used to be a mercontrol?

Just one other question, I have a temperature gauge on my dashboard and i notice on the above chart that on the new style BIA wiring there is a "tan" wire for the temperature gauge. Am i unable to connect this to my engine or is there something that i can buy that will allow me to do this?
 

achris

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Re: Run a commander when there used to be a mercontrol?

You would need to get a temperature sensor for the engine. A better investment would be a water pressure gauge kit.<br /><br />Chris..............
 

stant1man

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Re: Run a commander when there used to be a mercontrol?

Hmmm, i might go for both. I feel it kinda daft having a gauge on my dash that doesn't work. How would i be able to tell if there is a temp sensor already fitted? Hey Chris, im jumping the gun. I'll go about getting her running first before I start spending silly money. Many, many thanks again for all your help, your a gentleman!<br /><br />Stan
 
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