Help lost key

[Lost Parent]

1982 Catalina 30 diesel It has 4 plug in spades on the back and one screw terminal . It looks original . Off----glow plugs ----momentary start .Can anyone rcommend the right switch , I have been looking in the West Marine catalogue but not sure witch one

 

[Calif. Ted]

Typical for a 3 position switch is off-on-start or off-on-glow plug with a separate start button. Most commonly found on sailboats is a Cole Hersee 3 position switch, with a separate start button. Do you run the engine with switch in "glow plugs" position ? What kind of engine ?

 

[Lost Parent]

Typical for a 3 position switch is off-on-start or off-on-glow plug with a separate start button. Most commonly found on sailboats is a Cole Hersee 3 position switch, with a separate start button. Do you run the engine with switch in "glow plugs" position ? What kind of engine ?

The key springs back to the glow plug position for running
Diesel has been replaced but panel was left as original

 

[Dantodd]

Silly question but why not get a new key?

 

[Lost Parent]

Boat is 700 miles away and no locksmith near boat and no key to match it to

 

[RAD]

so after you start the engine do you return the key to the on position and that would turn the glow plugs back on?????? or do you turn it to the off position?

 

[Lost Parent]

All i can remember is off next position alarm comes on next position hold against tension for 10 seconds then turn further until it starts and then release tension amd key comes back to run position , it has no starter button and to turn off you push off botton and hold and then turn key off and remove
Sorry have not run it i a while memory is foggy

 

[kenn]

Boat is 700 miles away and no locksmith near boat and no key to match it to

What brand is engine panel (was it for a Volvo? Yanmar? Westerbeke?). Panel part number?

If there's a number stamped on the front of the key switch, or a serial number on the panel or key switch, there's a remote chance that the panel manufacturer, or the maker of the key switch itself would have some sort of registry for what key is required. The info might be in the original boat docs, assuming you still have them. I have no experience to back this up, but this sort of thing is done elsewhere (eg cars)

Knowing the panel's make and model number, someone would no doubt be thrilled to sell you a new ignition switch ($$$).

A good boat mechanic or electrician would probably be able to trace out the wires and replace the key switch with a 'universal' sort of replacement key switch, or a toggle and a push-button if you want to get away from the key.

 

[RAD]

sounds like its the bottom item in the link below

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...0001&storeId=11151&productId=109389&langId=-1

 

[Lost Parent]

Sounds like it .Thank you very much

 

[Sail123]

Any Snap On tool truck has the tool you need to get started. A remote starter switch. It is key-less, and clips on to the engine starter. Has a button you push to turn the engine over.

Lost a key to a Volvo diesel straight truck. No one had a replacement ignition. I thought of the remote start switch, and it worked just fine. Started the truck that way for several months, until the lost key turned up.

 

[Lost Parent]

How did you work the glow plugs

 

[Sail123]

How did you work the glow plugs

I could not bet the Volvo had glow plugs? However, some remote starters are for diesel engines, so I could imagine that is part of it's function. The snap on dealer would know the answer to your question. Orally's, napa, sears all should have a simple one. I got mine at napa as I recall.