Engine key switch replacement?

Westcoastcat28

Westcoastcat28

.
Jul 9, 2015
10
Catalina 28 MK II Brentwood Bay, BC
Has anyone every changed out the ignition switch? It's on the side of the engine instrument panel in the cockpit. My current one is very sloppy and really takes a long time to find just the right way to turn it to the on position, which would not be good if I had to start the engine quickly.
Thanks,
Mary C.
 

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woodster

woodster

.
Sep 15, 2009
6,243
S2 9.2a Fairhope Al
Westcoastcat28 said:
Has anyone every changed out the ignition switch? It's on the side of the engine instrument panel in the cockpit. My current one is very sloppy and really takes a long time to find just the right way to turn it to the on position, which would not be good if I had to start the engine quickly.
Thanks,
Mary C.
Click to expand
the best thing to do is get a new switch and key set and change it out if you can do this on your own that would be great but if you have reservations about doing this get a buddy that can help you do it ....take pics of the existing wiring before disassembly and mark all the wires and connections first and make notes and scotches before you take it apart and take your time ...you can get an exact replacement from catalane direct for your panel ...good luck and be safe
 
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Westcoastcat28

Westcoastcat28

.
Jul 9, 2015
10
Catalina 28 MK II Brentwood Bay, BC
woodster said:
the best thing to do is get a new switch and key set and change it out if you can do this on your own that would be great but if you have reservations about doing this get a buddy that can help you do it ....take pics of the existing wiring before disassembly and mark all the wires and connections first and make notes and scotches before you take it apart and take your time ...you can get an exact replacement from catalane direct for your panel ...good luck and be safe
Click to expand
Thanks so much. Yes, I found a 3-way switch and it looks pretty straight forward. I live in Canada and so it is difficult/expensive to have Catalina direct ship to me.
 
Stu Jackson

Stu Jackson

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Feb 26, 2004
22,986
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
Mary, you can go to a local hardware store and get a quality water-resistant key assembly for a lot less than any marine store.

What many of us have learned is that our local hardware stores are our favorite marine stores.
 
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B

Benny17441

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May 24, 2004
7,164
CC 30 South Florida
It could be that the key tumblers are worn, but also they could be full of dirt and grime just not allowing them to move freely. Try spraying a solvent into the opening and working the key for a few minutes to see if there is any improvement. If not replacements are easy to find and install.
 
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druid

druid

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Apr 22, 2009
837
Ontario 32 Pender Harbour
I agree with Stu on this one: get a decent automotive switch. You'll need to understand the cryptic marks on the terminals ( "I", "B", "S", etc) - DO NOT depend on position (ask me how I know this! ;) ). But there's only three wires, and the switch usually comes with a diagram.

BTW: don't delay in replacing a defective or sometimes-not-working ignition switch! I was testing out my transmission, stalled the engine and the switch decided it would be a great time to stop working, there in the middle of the marina. Ended up hitting another boat...

druid
 
centerline

centerline

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Mar 20, 2012
3,983
Cal 34-III, MacGregor 25 Salem, Oregon
most places that sell ignition switches will have a couple marine ones to choose from also.... they can outlast the typical automotive quality switch many years...
 
Westcoastcat28

Westcoastcat28

.
Jul 9, 2015
10
Catalina 28 MK II Brentwood Bay, BC
Wow! Thanks! I was thinking I would have to sell the boat as it was too much to do, but with a little help here I feel better about her. I did get a switch on amazon.ca! $30 with a cover for over the key opening.
 
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