Ignition switch position indicator

[pcatterall]

Crew told me that the engine was reluctant to start. He had not realised that there is a 'heating' position on the switch. The lettering is all faded.
I tried cleaning it but that won't work.
I could just stick a label around the switch but would really like (at least one part of) the boat to look decent!
Can these position indicators be restored or replaced? Any source contacts?
Many thanks

 

[aluijten]

If you are talking about the standard Volvo Penta panel, the markings for the positions are slightly raised on the plastic panel.
You can use a white writing felt-marker(?) to re-coat the raised surface with a white layer and make it visible again. Just a careful touching with the marker will do it.

 

[pcatterall]

Thanks Aluijten, Should have said perkins 4108 white figures on black and nothing raised enough to try paint and scrape method.
Off, O, H, SH, marked.

 

[prv]

Off, O, H, SH, marked.

In that case I don't think it would help people choose the right position even if the lettering was crystal clear!

Pete

 

[prv]

If you really need a neat re-labelling, how about getting a black plastic ring engraved and cut that can be glued in place around the switch? The folks who did my new electrics panel could easily do it. I don't have details to hand right now but can fish them out later if you like?

Pete

 

[pcatterall]

Thanks prv! what the lettering clarifies is that there is a position between On and Start.
The key has to be held there ( against the spring) before turning further to engage the starter.
I guess I could paint it black and get some white 'leterset' letters then possibly clear laquer on top.
I have found them on line for Fordson tractors but no luck on perkins type yet.
Will take you up on contact detail offer if I cant get sorted.
Many thanks

 

[nigelmercier]

He had not realised that there is a 'heating' position on the switch...

I only found out last week that my engine (MD22) has glow plugs! I've never had to use them.

 

[theoldsalt]

I can tell when my ignition switch is in the heater position as the audible alarm tone changes and the ignition light dims. Both due to the voltage drop caused by the heaters.

 

[fisherman]

Get a nice brass washer and have it engraved? Or stamped with engineers letter stamps.

 

[Heckler]

Get a nice brass washer and have it engraved? Or stamped with engineers letter stamps.

engineers letter stamps, what an evocative turn of phrase.
Took me back to my metalwork class days 50 years ago!
Stu

 

[prv]

engineers letter stamps, what an evocative turn of phrase.
Took me back to my metalwork class days 50 years ago!

Me too, except it was only 15 years

Pete

 

[Billjratt]

My 4108 panel is (slightly) engraved. A finger with white paint on rubbed over the lettering and logo will drop a little paint into the grooves.
Allow to dry and then rub with turps to clean off the smears, then polish.
We used to tart up Avometers with tippex this way after they had been repaired.

Since you didn't know the cold start function was there, you may want to familiarise yourself with it (unless it's 'modern' with glowplugs) as the vapour can be disconcerting if not expected.

 

[pcatterall]

Bilgerat many thanks!! I lied about the crew at was yours truly who didnt know about the H position!! ( but guess that the crew may not realise either!!)
I was replacing a fuel pipe and following through checking the whole system, I realised that there was a heating element and checked the wires back to the switch!!
Yes the whisp of smoke would have been disconcerting but I had the same on my last boat ( but with a seperate 'header tank')
Tipex !!!?? yes very useful!

 

[BERT T]

From memory the old massey ferguson 35 tractor with the perkins engine had the same switch. Try some of the classic tractor guys and they should be able to get you a label.

 

[FlyingDutchman]

I only found out last week that my engine (MD22) has glow plugs! I've never had to use them.

Ah! You read the manual I sent you?

 

[nigelmercier]

Ah! You read the manual I sent you?

Yes, many thanks.

But I also noticed them when looking for a leak in my impeller.