Ignition Switch Replacement

Ralph Masters · August 02, 2011, 08:14:21 AM

I've been having on again off again problems with the ignition switch so bought a new one from NAPA. The rewire on it is very straight forward, two wires, actually 4 but three on one post and one on a second. The tricky part of this project is getting to the back of the panel to do the replacement. YOu will need to pull the entire console out. The aluminum panel is attached into the box with number 6 screws with nuts on the back, the box is wood screws into the glass. The hard part is getting the 25 year old sealent to let go with out breaking anything. I use slow, steady pressure and prying around the edge and it came out after about 45 minutes of working on it. I tried to get at it from the back in the lazzert but..........

Ralph
Ciao Bella

2ndwish · August 02, 2011, 09:15:22 AM

Ralph- It sounds like you are trying to remove the box. We found that was not necessary. Remove the plexiglass cover, the 6 screws and nuts and the panel comes out. Access to the 6 nuts from the lazarette is adequate (wear long sleeves). Once the panel is removed the ignition switch is easily replaced. The hard part is getting the 6 bolts back in without losing the nuts. This is an impossible task without a helper. I suppose if you have to do it by yourself, you might have to remove the box. When we did the harness upgrade, we replaced the harness wires adding about 2 feet. This allows the panel to be rested on the cockpit seat to make it easier to service.
T

Ralph Masters · August 02, 2011, 09:59:09 AM

Two feet more wire would have been GREAT. Yep, removed the box myself, the admiral was on special liberty yesterday, so pulled the box. I figure the first switch lasted 23 years, I'm good for another 23, then who cares.

Ralph

Ralph Masters · August 02, 2011, 02:41:42 PM

The next project will be the hour meter, wire into the fuel pump just trying to figure the best place to stick it.

Ralph

Stu Jackson · August 02, 2011, 02:49:14 PM

Quote from: SD Diver on August 02, 2011, 02:41:42 PM
The next project will be the hour meter, wire into the fuel pump just trying to figure the best place to stick it

In the head compartment. Then folks will really wonder what it is measuring.

Sure is close to the fuel pump, though...

Ron Hill · August 02, 2011, 02:53:53 PM

Ralph : Rather than trying to put it in the engine instrument panel as space in a premium -- why not put it down by the fuel pump!?!

A thought

Ralph Masters · August 02, 2011, 03:28:29 PM

I think it will go in the cabinet with the racor and fuel pump. I could put it next to the Jabsco and make em really wonder.

Ralph

Ron Hill · August 02, 2011, 05:44:53 PM

Ralph : When you buy items like ignition switches make sure they are brass and if there is a "weep" hole it should be down when mounted.
If it were my switch and there wasn't a weep hole I'd drill one. A thought

Ralph Masters · August 03, 2011, 08:07:10 AM

Ron,
Thanks for the thoughts. I bought a top quality brass switch from NAPA, and the back has drainage. I put a plastic cap off the small propane tanks used for the Magma grill over the key opening it keep water out when I wash down.

Ralph

Ron Hill · August 03, 2011, 01:49:47 PM

Ralph : You can purchase (small cost- dollar or two) rubber boots that will fit over the ignition key switch, the starter switch and any toggle switches you may have.

They really keep the water out. I've had them on all of my engine instrument panel switches for over 20 years. I've never had to replace any of them since I installed them. A thought

prh77 · August 03, 2011, 05:49:07 PM

Wired and secured the Hobbs Meter right above the Racor in the head. Works great and only requires a check every week or so to keep the maintenance log up to date.

Kevin Henderson · August 03, 2011, 08:20:27 PM

Ralph,
Did you replace your ignition switch because there was a problem? I remember reading in another thread an issue where a bad ignition switch can cause problems with not being able to start the engine. I've been experiencing an intermittent problem like that and am considering replacing my ignition switch as well. I'll look your installation over and see if I can tackle that soon.

Ralph Masters · August 04, 2011, 08:12:07 AM

Kevin,
The switch stopped working in the normal position. I had to hold it over in the "start" position to make it work. I'll be aboard most of the day Saturday, need to do some head sail cover mending. The blue sunbrella cover has a small rip, so I need to drop the head sail and do some "rope yarn" on it. Ken, you recall that term from your navy days??

Ralph

Ken Juul · August 04, 2011, 09:23:39 AM

For those not in the know:
Historical
On the day the tailor boarded a sailing ship in port, the crew knocked off early, broke out rope yarn, and mended clothes and hammocks. One afternoon per week at sea, usually a Wednesday, was reserved for mending. Since it was an afternoon for rest from the usual chores, much like Sunday, it was dubbed rope yarn Sunday.

Current usage (at least in the '80s & "90s)
A day to goof off, if in port, many times it was on the softball field with copious amounts of cold beer.

Stu Jackson · August 04, 2011, 10:17:28 AM

Quote from: Kevin Henderson on August 03, 2011, 08:20:27 PM
Ralph,
Did you replace your ignition switch because there was a problem? I remember reading in another thread an issue where a bad ignition switch can cause problems with not being able to start the engine. I've been experiencing an intermittent problem like that and am considering replacing my ignition switch as well. I'll look your installation over and see if I can tackle that soon.

Kev, check the Critical Upgrades topic. Fuseholder to starter.