I am the second owner of a 1990 Hunter 30', without the original manuals and with the following question: Once the engine is running can I turn the ignition key to the off position and remove it from the panel? The reason I would like to do this is the following: I went through two keys already! Twice a guest has broken the key leaving half of it in the switch! Not that I mind the 5 minutes that it takes to unscrew the panel, to remove the broken piece, but my locksmith is charging $8 per key! I am asking if it is ok to turn the key to the off position with the engine running because I was told that this may damage the alternator. Is this the case in the 1990 30'? Thanks, -leo i.
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Key
The damage to the alternator is when the engine battery main switch is turned off with the engine running.
The damage to the alternator is when the engine battery main switch is turned off with the engine running.
running engine with key off
You can run the engine with the key off but I believe it will disable all your gages, fuel pump, and perhaps the emergency annunciator as well, so for these reasons it is not a good idea. It will also keep the alternator from charging the system.
You can run the engine with the key off but I believe it will disable all your gages, fuel pump, and perhaps the emergency annunciator as well, so for these reasons it is not a good idea. It will also keep the alternator from charging the system.
Broken Key
I've had the same problem. On my boat the location of the panel lends itself to get broken. My solution has been not to remove the broken key. I use the tip of another key to turn the switch on and off. It has worked fine and there are no keys sticking out to be broken.
I've had the same problem. On my boat the location of the panel lends itself to get broken. My solution has been not to remove the broken key. I use the tip of another key to turn the switch on and off. It has worked fine and there are no keys sticking out to be broken.
Other
Some alternatives: - build a little hinged cover for the key - cut the top off the key and embed the remaining stub in a wide, squat wooden or rubber plug that would be flush with the panel and not be vulnerable to breakage - Relocate the engine panel. (On our Sabre, the instruments are next the companionway where you can see them and the key, hourmeter, decompression lever and fuel gage are underneath the rear lazerette cover -- very well protected.)
Some alternatives: - build a little hinged cover for the key - cut the top off the key and embed the remaining stub in a wide, squat wooden or rubber plug that would be flush with the panel and not be vulnerable to breakage - Relocate the engine panel. (On our Sabre, the instruments are next the companionway where you can see them and the key, hourmeter, decompression lever and fuel gage are underneath the rear lazerette cover -- very well protected.)
I have read somewhere...
In one of the manuals about turning off the ignition while the engine is still running.. and also something about switching the battery off while the engine is running being dangerous to the alternator or generator, but I have always exercised caution about that. So, there must be something to it. I like the box with hinged cover idea, seems to me that would protect the whole panel and solve your problem.
In one of the manuals about turning off the ignition while the engine is still running.. and also something about switching the battery off while the engine is running being dangerous to the alternator or generator, but I have always exercised caution about that. So, there must be something to it. I like the box with hinged cover idea, seems to me that would protect the whole panel and solve your problem.
I think you're correct.
David U: I think you are correct. I think that the Yanmar guy told us that you should NOT turn off the key. There was something about eventual damage to the diodes in the Alternator. I know that you do not want to turn off the battery switch.
David U: I think you are correct. I think that the Yanmar guy told us that you should NOT turn off the key. There was something about eventual damage to the diodes in the Alternator. I know that you do not want to turn off the battery switch.
Steve is Right
You'll fry your alternator. If you want to run without a key, by-pass the it and put a switch in somewhere out of sight.
You'll fry your alternator. If you want to run without a key, by-pass the it and put a switch in somewhere out of sight.
Running engine w/o key
I'm the original owner of a 27 Hunter with a Yanmar 1GM. I was told specifically not to turn off the key with the engine running or I would fry the altenator.
I'm the original owner of a 27 Hunter with a Yanmar 1GM. I was told specifically not to turn off the key with the engine running or I would fry the altenator.
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