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How Long will the Switchbox last?

O

oldisgood

Member
1977 85 HP Mercury outboard has been in storage for 30 years. We are putting it back in service. Trigger and Stator have been replaced. I know that in old audio equipment, capacitors typically fail due to age. The Switchbox is original (1977 vintage). I'm thinking the capacitor (or other aspects of its internal electronics) might be too old to be reliable -- but what are your experiences with old Switchboxes? Who's still running with the original that came with your motor? (and how old is your motor)?
 
I have a '75 850 and it's been running on the original SB for 10 yrs. I have 2 other boxes from that era that are good however your box is different. My problem was the trigger, I replaced with new and it's still going.
 
The capacitors you are referring to in audio equipment are usually electrolytic (polarized).
Yes, they fail with old age...sometimes they start to leak the electrolyte.

However, the switchbox capacitor is non-polarized (no electrolyte).
Just two metal sheets and a plastic insulator between the sheets (rolled up).
They last just about forever!

The solid-state electronics in the switchbox are also very reliable!
 
Here's what's inside tbolt.jpg
a distributor type.
 
ok, thanks. So it doesn't sound like old = need-to-replace.
I'll open a new post ("is switchbox bad?") as it may help others who do a search on topic.
 
The trigger is usually the failure point in ignitions that old but you have covered that! The CDI site has switchbox and trigger trouble shooting steps.
 
Thanks! I just found the CDI ignition trouble shooting guide in the "look here for helpful hints..." sticky. Very good information! I've got more things to test now, including (possibly) the rectifier.
 
The rectifier is only used to charge the battery; when the motor is running put a voltmeter on the battery terminals you should see 13+ or more.
 
I replaced my Merc switchbox with a CDI unit that died after 2 1/2 years. Since the warrantee is only for 2 years...

Jeff
 
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