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Kill switch issue?

Mbodell

New member
I have a 1987 Galaxy open bow with a 140 I4 Merc. Got it last summer, but didn't have much time to mess with it.

condition is no spark during crank. I read a post some where last year that this could be a kill switch. I did accidently bump the shift/throttle lever into gear while working on something else on the boat. where would i find the kill switch to reset it so I can get the current back. everything else electrical is good.
 
There is a neutral safety switch inside the shift control box but that does NOT allow the motor to turn over (crank) when the shift control is in gear (FWD or REV)

There is a Interrupter switch that is designed to "kill" the ignition when shifting OUT of gear (fwd or rev) for a split second to allow gears to separate.

There is a shift bracket at motor, the control cable and short shift cable attach there. There is a micro switch (interrupter switch).

If this switch is defective or it is engaged (made) then the ignition is shorted to ground and wont fire. It is simply an on/off switch so disconnecting one wire from the switch will defeat it for TESTING ONLY. It must function when boat is in operation.

The other thing to check is for a blown ignition fuse which should be on dash or under dash somewhere.
 
I forgot about the lanyard switch... do you have one and if so where is it located? Also called the dead man switch. Usually has a cable you would attach to the driver so if the driver fell it would kill ignition..
If you have this it may be your issue. Either mounted on dash or intragal to the shift contol box.
 
No lanyard switch. Fuse is good, 2.3 ohms. The fulcrum style switch at the shift bracket has a couple ohms, and even with it disconnected, still won't fire.
 
If you have 12v at the + side of the coil then if equipped with points there glazed over and need a nail file or replacement
 
Okay, following something I saw from kghost on a post years ago. I bought a basic circuit test lamp. Had a circuit from battery to starter, and a circuit on both sides of coil. Cleaned the points withbfine grit Emery paper and really assembled. Checked circuits again, and everything was good. Went to crank, heard a clunk sound and got nothing else. Checked circuits, no voltage. Swapped battery, and have a circuit at starter only.

Removed both batteries from boat and check voltage, both have 12+ V. What the hell did I do?
 
1. Remove spark plugs and see if motor will crank over.

If not then mechanical issue.

If so do a spark check with no plugs in motor and see if you have spark.
if no then ignition problem. time for a TUNE UP

If yes then timing may be out, AGAIN complete tune up
 
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