Engine Instrument Panel Problem

[Thomas H. George]

I have a 1978 Hunter 30 with a Yanmar YSB12 diesel lengine which I purchased 4 years ago. Sails beatifully and engine runs like a clock BUT The ignition key was bent, in danger of breaking.I contacted a Yanmar dealer who advised that new keys for this old system were no longer available. He advised installing a new ignition switch.I purchased a 30 amp ignition & starter switch from West Marine and intalled it. It works OK BUT The new switch is larger and interfers with the removable bulkhead at the back of the quarter berth.In the course of the installation I found that the three idiot lights are all wired in although only one lights when the ignition is switched on. It goes out promptly when the engine starts. There is also a four wire cable terminating in a round six pin connector and there is closed off hole for a meter in the instrument panel.I would like to fix this up nicely.To fix the clearance problem I need a smaller switch, a new key for the old switch (the key has 120 stamped on it) or a blank instrument panel on which I could relocate the switch further back from the bulkhead. The panel fits in a 7x7 inch aperture. I presume that blank 7x7 by 2 inches deep panels are not readily available. I could try to make one or, if a slightly larger panel were available, enlarge the mounting aperture as necessary.I would like to to the job nicely and even add the meter if it is still available - and the other end of that 4-wire cable is connected to active sensors.I would greatly appreciate any comments, suggestions or references to other sources of information.Tom Georgetomgeorge@spininternet.com

 

[Lee]

Yanmar Keys

When my starter key bent, I took it to my local locksmith and he made me four more. They all work fine for one dollar each and they seem to be made of stronger metal more resistant to bending. Did you try doing that before replacing the switch?

 

[Jim S]

H30 ignition switch

I don't know if my experience helps your effort, but I had the same problem on my h30 1976 last summer. Mine has a Yanmar yse12, the panel only has two lights and no meter knockout. My key broke on my neighbor who I share the boat with, he went to West and got a new switch, it's brass and has the same clearance problem you have.He mounted it so the threaded OD of the switch sticks out about 1 1/4" past the face of the panel so the rear clearance was OK. That's the way I've left it for now, I haven't looked for a shorter key switch.My two lamps are one for the alternator, it's hooked to the hot side of the ign. "on" switch and to a grounded connection on my alternator/regulator that switches the alternator field on with the key and then opens to ground when the alternator starts charging. The light comes on when the key is turned to on, goes out when the alternator is charging. By design, if the regulator/alternator malfunctioned and wasn't charging with the ign. on and engine running, the light would light and you'd know to get to port or turn off the motor to check and fix the problem before your battery/ies died. I bet this is the one that's functioning out of your three.My other light is hooked to the same hot side of the ign. on switch then to an engine lube oil switch that is normally grounded with the engine off and open to ground when engine oil pressure is detected. My light hasn't lit for a year, the switch is broken. I guess I'll get a new one but the light is pretty useless in my opinion. I don't have the dicipline to watch it while at the helm motoring and my wife and kids certainly never would. When I replace it I'm thinking of having it actuate a lock on the beer cooler, that would get my attention!Jim

 

[Greg Sampson]

Put the old one back in...

you can turn a yanmar ignition switch with a screwdriver if you have to. I use the key to my padlocks.Greg

 

[Gene]

Anything will do

Greg is right. You can even use a paper clip. The "key" does not appear to be "keyed" on these things.

 

[Thomas H. George]

Thanks Greg & Gene

You're right, a small screw driver works fine. Wish I had checked this out first.Tom George