Getting an Ignition Switch to Last Longer - Moderated Discussion Areas

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Author Topic:   Getting an Ignition Switch to Last Longer

David Livingstone posted 04-07-2005 07:30 PM ET (US)
Hello Folks, I gave up on the old key switch on my 1998 Montauk. When I removed it, I discovered that it was manufactured for Mercury in Mexico in 2002, part number 87-88107, which has now been replaced by 87-88107A 5. Since this will be the third switch in the boat, is there any way to lenghen it's life. I already asked the Mercury dealer and the reply was nope.
Thanks for any help,
David
Chuck Tribolet posted 04-07-2005 08:00 PM ET (US)
I knew you had a Merc after only reading the Subject. I've
got a budd with a year and a half old
Montauk 170. He's on the second switch. First switch stuck
closed (cranking) and fried the starter. The second switch
is acting up, so he squirted it full of grease and leaves
the key in it. I'd install a push button for the starter,
and a toggle switch for the ignition up under the console,
in parallel with the key. Use the key to turn on the
ignition until the keyswitch dies, then just start flipping
the toggle. Or get a GOOD aftermarket switch.

Chuck
LHG posted 04-07-2005 08:52 PM ET (US)
The twin Mercury ignition switch harnesses in my 1986 Whaler are still working fine today, 19 years later. Perhaps mine were not made in Mexico!
fishinchips posted 04-07-2005 10:58 PM ET (US)
do you think water is getting in there ?
If so, maybe some kind of home made cover would help?
Ken
David Livingstone posted 04-08-2005 07:43 PM ET (US)
It's the same as buying land, location, location, location. The switch is located on top of the dash and it does get wet from time to time. I'll fill it full of silicone and try making a cover for it like the one I have on my 12V outlet. Now I know why they had fifty switches at the warehouse. I opened the new switch and it doesn't look like a quality part. I guess that was why the Mercury switch was $54 CAD and the Yamaha one was $125 CAD.
Funny, my Honda switch on the old boat was 12 years old and never missed a beat. It wasn't covered.
David

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Author	Topic: Getting an Ignition Switch to Last Longer
David Livingstone	posted 04-07-2005 07:30 PM ET (US) Hello Folks, I gave up on the old key switch on my 1998 Montauk. When I removed it, I discovered that it was manufactured for Mercury in Mexico in 2002, part number 87-88107, which has now been replaced by 87-88107A 5. Since this will be the third switch in the boat, is there any way to lenghen it's life. I already asked the Mercury dealer and the reply was nope. Thanks for any help, David
Chuck Tribolet	posted 04-07-2005 08:00 PM ET (US) I knew you had a Merc after only reading the Subject. I've got a budd with a year and a half old Montauk 170. He's on the second switch. First switch stuck closed (cranking) and fried the starter. The second switch is acting up, so he squirted it full of grease and leaves the key in it. I'd install a push button for the starter, and a toggle switch for the ignition up under the console, in parallel with the key. Use the key to turn on the ignition until the keyswitch dies, then just start flipping the toggle. Or get a GOOD aftermarket switch. Chuck
LHG	posted 04-07-2005 08:52 PM ET (US) The twin Mercury ignition switch harnesses in my 1986 Whaler are still working fine today, 19 years later. Perhaps mine were not made in Mexico!
fishinchips	posted 04-07-2005 10:58 PM ET (US) do you think water is getting in there ? If so, maybe some kind of home made cover would help? Ken
David Livingstone	posted 04-08-2005 07:43 PM ET (US) It's the same as buying land, location, location, location. The switch is located on top of the dash and it does get wet from time to time. I'll fill it full of silicone and try making a cover for it like the one I have on my 12V outlet. Now I know why they had fifty switches at the warehouse. I opened the new switch and it doesn't look like a quality part. I guess that was why the Mercury switch was $54 CAD and the Yamaha one was $125 CAD. Funny, my Honda switch on the old boat was 12 years old and never missed a beat. It wasn't covered. David