markpageant
Well-Known Member
...yes, in the barrel. Any ideas about getting a replacement. Its a 13hp Volvo penta 1974. Can I just ift a switch ?
snapped off ignition key
- Thread starter markpageant
- Start date
homa
Well-Known Member
On present boat, my Volvo has the basic panel with a simple push button to start
No more hunting around for keys !!
On a previous boat I did the same as you and boke the key. I replaced with another key switch (V. expensive). Highly recommend the simple push button.
Before you ask....My batteries are isolated inside the cabin so security is no problem.
No more hunting around for keys !!
On a previous boat I did the same as you and boke the key. I replaced with another key switch (V. expensive). Highly recommend the simple push button.
Before you ask....My batteries are isolated inside the cabin so security is no problem.
VicS
Well-Known Member
That old you proably could fit a switch + a push button for starting or maybe find a suitable car type ignition switch. Latter types might not be so simple.
What engine? Tthere might be a wiring diagram in the owners manual which will help advise on the alternatives.
Just possible that you could dismantle the old switch and remove the broken piece.
What engine? Tthere might be a wiring diagram in the owners manual which will help advise on the alternatives.
Just possible that you could dismantle the old switch and remove the broken piece.
noelex
Well-Known Member
Marine ignition switches are redily available. Even good chandleries have got them.
You could replace it with a switch or switches, but some circuits for gauges etc are on all the time others are engaged only on the start position so it needs a bit of work to change.
You will need to remove the existimg switch to see how many poles it has. Photograph and label the wires carefully.
You could replace it with a switch or switches, but some circuits for gauges etc are on all the time others are engaged only on the start position so it needs a bit of work to change.
You will need to remove the existimg switch to see how many poles it has. Photograph and label the wires carefully.
Katouf
Well-Known Member
It may not be relevant to your problem but my own '73 Centaur, fitted with a VP MD2B, was bought second-hand without an ignition key. Easy to remove and dismantle the switch (take note of the wiring details BEFORE you do) and if you take it to a locksmith they will do the necessary. I think you'll find that the broken part of the key can be pushed out from the back.
My own case was that the key barrel had been removed and a screw driver could be used to turn the switch.
Good luck
Alan
My own case was that the key barrel had been removed and a screw driver could be used to turn the switch.
Good luck
Alan
retsina
Well-Known Member
I had a similar problem last summer; when i lost the key; I fitted a cheap push button which works very well, so no more key problems. security is not an issue as all batteries and isolation swithes are inside the yacht
pvb
Well-Known Member
If you can't get the broken key out with tweezers, I'd suggest you remove the old switch and get a similar-sized replacement. You'll probably find that a Volvo replacement will be pricey, but an ordinary car ignition switch should work. I'd guess that your switch only has connections on the 30, 75 & 50 terminals, so a simple off/on/start switch would work. Try Googling for lucas 47sa - this is a typical simple switch, available for about £15. Remember to make a careful note of the wire connections before taking the old switch out!
You could alternatively take the old switch out and take it to a locksmith, they have key extractors and could also cut a replacement key.
If you try to replace it with a starter button, you'll need to fit a separate switch to power the instrument panel, so this isn't an easy solution.
You could alternatively take the old switch out and take it to a locksmith, they have key extractors and could also cut a replacement key.
If you try to replace it with a starter button, you'll need to fit a separate switch to power the instrument panel, so this isn't an easy solution.
Malcb
Well-Known Member
You can make a key extractor using a junior hacksaw blade. You file/grind down the plane edge so that the last 3/4" is about abou 2 mm thick with the teeth ponting backwards when you insert it into the keyhole. You insert the 'tool' down the side of the broken key, twist slightly and pull it out sharply.
I've had to do this a few times on club RIBs when keys have been broken.
I've had to do this a few times on club RIBs when keys have been broken.
MoodySabre
Well-Known Member
When this happen on the car door once I put a blob of superglue on the stub and pushed it back in, waited a few minutes and then pulled it out with the broken off bit attached /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Bought a new key.
aquaholic
Well-Known Member
On one of my past motorboats I had the same problem, went to the local auto spares shop and bought an ignistion switch for 3.99, and it came with 2 keys /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
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Before you try any of the above, try offering up the stub of the key to the slot (with the remains of the key still in). If there is enough grip in the slot, the switch should work.
Dave
Dave
pampas
Well-Known Member
old anti theft idea was to take two keys saw through the bottom end of the key leaving enough to operated lock, insert key and operate till the small piece sheared off, then file the other key until it would operate the lock, if your is broken more than 50% down the barrel then this would be a cheaper way to proceed, and would give you anti-theft as well ,other wise do as suggested /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
