worn lanyards and stop switches/tiller button

[johnyrude200]

I’ve been running into a few of these lately (now that I’m working my way up to 80’s/90’s motors) and have been finding that the kill switch on the tiller, if the lanyard isn’t exactly right, then the ignition is being ground out. It’s a situation where literally the lanyard isn’t placing that red plunger button within 1mm of the right position and killing spark.

I’ve confirmed by nudging it slightly/holding it in the right position, and then everything works, but was wondering if anyone else knew of a trick to get that button seated correctly. I guess I could try a brand new lanyard, but was just curious if others came to the same conclusion (buy a new lanyard) or if it is the button itself that is worn (or possibly both…they aren’t cheap for the buttons!).

[PugetSoundBoater]

How about a bit of epoxy or similiar glue neatly placed on the lanyard contact area, to tighten things up a bit? I would put the epoxy on the lanyard instead of the switch plunger due to that the switch does works and they are expensive.

"Some people want to know how a watch works, others just want to know what time it is"
Robbie Robertson

[johnyrude200]

With something as important as a safety lanyard, I’d just buy a new one rather than trying to repair it for obvious safety/liability reasons. Just wondering if this is a common issue with the switch AND lanyard, rather than just a simple lanyard replacement.

This is the 2nd type of one of these situations I’ve seen in as many weeks, and with both instances the lanyard was failing to place the stop button in the exact position necessary to prevent grounding out the ignition.

The thing is that the lanyard doesn’t really appear to have any wear marks, but who knows with something that is 20 years old.

[fleetwin]

Unfortunately, this is a common issue. You could try a different lanyard, but you will probably end up replacing the ridiculously expensive switch. And God help you if it is the one on the end tiller handle grip, those are good fun to replace.

[Mumbles]

You can pick up a universal one pretty cheap offshore.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-Boat- … s-&vxp=mtr

[johnyrude200]

Now THAT is inexpensive! 😯 😮

Just bought 5 of them, hopefully they’ll arrive by March 🙂

At the very least, these look as if they could be a good add-on for the older motors that lack safety lanyards with a simple swap out of the stop button on the front control panel (i.e. 25hp 60’s-70’s).

I know a lot of customers ask about these…so just making older motors safer with this add on.

[billw]

I agree with Fleetwin, in that it’s not the lanyard that’s the problem….It’s the switch that is on the way out. Internal corrosion is starting to short out the contacts in the switch. Pretty soon, it won’t work at all. In fact, you’re LUCKY if they work at all. The tiller-mounted lanyard switches were just another nail in OMC’s coffin.

Long live American manufacturing!

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