How to wire new ignition switch

[Ketchgould]

My old circuit had an on off key and then a starter button. I want to install a new key switch with rocker position to start the engine. I bought a 3 position Cole hersee. How do I wire the new switch?

Thanks.

I also want to install a remote switch button in the engine area so I can start engine once key is partially turned on and then use the remote push button instead of the key turned to start.

Thanks

[skipmac]

Power to the power terminal on the Cole Hersee. The wires that went to the ON position on the old on/off switch you connect to the ON terminal on the Cole Hersee. The wire that went to the old starter button you connect to the starter or momentary ON terminal on the Cole Hersee. If you don't know which is which hook up an ohmmeter and see which ones are connected when you turn the key.

To start the engine inside the engine room you need to connect a momentary switch to the solenoid on the starter.

This is diesel yes?

[Ketchgould]

Graymarine gas

[Ketchgould]

I don't have my old key and switch as I removed a panel that no longer worked.

Should the power to key come from start battery via battery selector?

Should the on terminal connect to the cool and the start terminal connect to solenoid?

Thanks

[Ketchgould]

The engine bay remote switch is ignition protected.

[HappyMdRSailor]

Ketch,

Having a hard time picturing what you have from the switch description... You need a 3 position rocker switch with one momentary position for start... Pretty rare bird... Show us a picture (or link) of what you have, and we'll see if we can make it work...

I suggest if you are going to have a start button in the engine space, you need to have a STOP NOW button there too !

[GordMay]

While this tutorial is directed at outboard engine switch wiring; it may help.
➥ continuousWave: Whaler: Reference: Ignition Switch

[skipmac]

I am assuming you have a standard, key start ignition switch. Insert key turn one click clockwise turns on power to the engine, one more click clockwise powers the starter. The second click is against a spring so the key will move back to the first position?

You need to know or figure out the connectors on the back of the switch. The generic answer:

1. Power from the battery. Yes this usually comes from a battery selector switch.

2. ON position. First click of the switch. Battery power from 1 is sent to everything connected to 2. Of course the ignition system would be on this circuit but probably includes other circuits like fuel pumps, alternator, gauges, meters, panel lights, etc.

3. Crank position. Second, momentary position. This sends power to the starter solenoid and is active only as long as you hold the key.

If this is all sounding like Greek then you might want to get someone to help take a look at the system with you.

[Ketchgould]

That helps a lot. At position 2 should I run a wire to the generator (50 year old alternator) or to the regulator bat terminal and allow the regulator to send voltage to generator?

Thanks

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Ketchgould

That helps a lot. At position 2 should I run a wire to the generator (50 year old alternator) or to the regulator bat terminal and allow the regulator to send voltage to generator?

Thanks

First let me clarify my previous post so I don't confuse myself.

1, 2 and 3 in that post I was referring to the connectors on the back of a typical ignition switch. The switch might have 3 or 4 positions (if you count the OFF position when you can insert/remove the key as 1). So the switch positions could be

3 position
Off
On
momentary to Crank

4 position
Off
Accessory On
Engine run On
momentary to Crank

OR 4 position
Off
On
momentary push in for choke or preheater
momentary turn to crank

Not knowing exactly how your boat is set up I would just say that for connector #2 IE the one that is on when the switch is turned to the ON position, you would connect the appropriate charging system wires. Might be to an external regulator or to the field terminal on an internally regulated alternator.

[Ketchgould]

Here is how I have it, and it works now, thanks for the help.

Start battery goes to battery selector. Then to starter in inboard. Wire from starter to power post on key terminal one. Wire from starter also goes to bat terminal on voyage regulator. Terminal two at key goes to instruments and coil. Terminal 3 goes to solenoid switch on starter. I also have a remote starter button near the engine looped from starter to solenoid.

[Ketchgould]

When I say works I should add, the starter engages and I have 12.8 volts at the coil. The engine isn't starting though. I am going to start a new post.

Thanks again for the help with the wiring