Thread about kill switches?

[LUVNLIFE]

Not long ago there was a thread about dif kill switches, like if you are thrown. I've looked and can't find. Anyone know where it's at. Thanks, Cale.

[Squirtcha?]

I think this is the one you're talking about. It's long as hell, but only the first page has the kill switch info.
racing and kill switches (http://www.***boat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=57520&page=1&highlight=kill+switch)

[LVjetboy]

I had problems with the Mercury kill switch. I wouldn't buy another.
jer

[LUVNLIFE]

Thanks that's the one. Since I run a distributor now, but possibly switching to a mag,I should buy the ball type. Anyone have any probs with these? I don't see many. I thought the Merc switch was better but then I would have to change it if I go to a mag. Which one is better? A couple people posted their thoughts in the other thread. Anyone else. Thanks

[Jeanyus]

I bought one of these, works great, I also ran the power for the fuel pump through it, if you have a fuel leak, yank the cord and fuel is shut off.
http://www.cpperformance.com/images/525-368100.jpg

[LUVNLIFE]

Yea that's the Merc switch. I think that is the better one only I would have to change it for use with a mag.

[Jeanyus]

They have one that looks identical, it is for a mag.
http://www.cpperformance.com/detail.aspx?ID=684

[LUVNLIFE]

I think I will go with the Merc switch and then just change it. I will have to buy one for the dist. then one for a mag later. Hell what's $40 anyway :smile:

[77charger]

I bought one of these, works great, I also ran the power for the fuel pump through it, if you have a fuel leak, yank the cord and fuel is shut off.
http://www.cpperformance.com/images/525-368100.jpgI ran the same switch too seemed to be prob free except the time i pulled it without knowing while on the rope for a test and tune run.(had to short a cord though at the time).Our other boat had a different type of switch contacts had to be kept clean.

[LUVNLIFE]

Hey Robert was that switch the one with two balls that made contact?

[77charger]

Hey Robert was that switch the one with two balls that made contact?
yup.(one that had some trouble)My boat had the merc switch

[LVjetboy]

http://members.cox.net/lvjetboy/MercKill.jpg
Yep that's the one. The one I had problems with that is. Spring tension designed to keep the little plastic fingers engaged with a lip...at least that's the intent. When I first installed mine, that's the way it worked...just fine. The fact it didn't even come with a lanyard was a bit lame, but it worked. No doubt others here who have a Mercury and haven't had problems yet will say it works just fine for them.
BUT...
Over time my Mercury kill switch developed a problem. Not sure if from spring stretch, UV rays degrading plastic finger tension, or rounding the little finger hooks and lip from use. But over time, the cap would slowly work loose from vibration and occasional shock of hitting waves (lake use not race) and break contact. DO YOU WANT your ignition to shut down at 90+ mph or even 60 mph? I've been there done that. That's why I took the time to comment.
If my experience doesn't make you think twice about buying a merc, maybe this racer posting on another vdrive board about the problems of a merc kill...
"ohh and a extra cap - them lil boogers always stretch when you dont need them too.. Yes we have made it to the ramp holding the red button in.
Well, if "them little boogers" were designed right in the first place it wouldn't happen. Or consider those posting about Merc kill switch problems on the iboats outboard forum. After I had that problem I switched to a different design, this one...
http://members.cox.net/lvjetboy/Cutoff.jpg
...have as much time on it as I had on the Merc, enough to know there will be no inadvertant cutoff problems like I had with the Merc. Why? Because this design doesn't depend on spring tension and little plastic fingers easy to slip or expand. But you don't have to take my word for it, buy what you like. Like I said, I've run both, the former worked for awhile but the later design is better. Strange how when you post something like, "I've had problems with the Merc Kill switch," nobody even takes the time to ask, "What problem?"
I'd never buy a Merc Kill switch again.
jer

[superdave013]

LV, I've only seen one switch like yours. The guy was changing it out at the races because it didn't work.

[LVjetboy]

There's always stories. Anything mechanical can fail. Did you ask him why his failed? I know why my original merc failed...the freakin' cap kept coming off.
I'm just reporting my first hand (not, "some guy I saw at the races") experience with the Merc switch and my experience with the replacement switch. Take it for what it's worth. Have you run both? With my current switch I've never had the clip come off unintentionally so I don't have to carry a spare cap. Seems the better solution.
jer

[Rexone]

Another kill switch thread (http://www.***boat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=52736)

[LVjetboy]

Hmm...seems I'm repeating myself. At least I'm consistant.
I'd never buy a Merc Kill switch again. Why? The cap comes off when it's not supposed to. The other design has never failed me. And I have as much time on it as I had on the merc.
jer

[Jeanyus]

The Merc kill switch cap does come off fairly easy, but I think that was intentional. Spare caps are availible and I will order one, and change it every year. Since LV"s only lasted a couple years. Going over 3 threads on kill switches, the Merc switch gets abou 15 yea's and 1 nay. The one LV is using gets 1 yea, and 3 nay's. I think I'll stick with the merc switch, it has worked good, and this is based on my first hand experience (not, "some guy I saw at the races") as far as the cap coming off when I'm going 90, thats not going to happen, my boat wont go 90. Not trying to start the kill switch flame thread. Z

[Squirtin Thunder]

as far as the cap coming off when I'm going 90, thats not going to happen, my boat wont go 90. Z
That thing will if it kills you Dammmit !!!!! Did you get the bottom sanded yet ready for speedcoat???? It might only do 78mph right now but when you get rid of those little tiny carbs you may pick up about 30hp and the bottom is probably worth 3mph and a Jenny Crank diet is worth about 5mph. So 90 is not out of the question.
Put that in your pipe and smoke it :D
:coffeycup Jim :coffeycup

[LUVNLIFE]

I think the winner here is a Merc switch with two extra caps :idea: ;) :D