1978 F32 engine start up problem

[Mako1212]

I have a 1978 F32 .... has been running great till this summer .... Have paid over $2000.00 in marina mechanics fees and still have a problem... the starboard engine will start up but will only keep going if you leave the ignition on to the right... Let go and it stops running... they replaced most if not all the ignition parts on the the twin Chryslers that I have. Has anyone had this problem as I better let the mechanic know what to look for before he puts me in the poor house.
Thanks

[chucka]

but will only keep going if you leave the ignition on to the right... Let go and it stops running...

The ignition has 3 positions, off, run & start. Do you mean it runs only in the start position? If so, is the starter disengaging or cranking? If you run the engine for long without disengaging the starter, you will quickly trash the starter. The run position should deliver 12V power to the ignition circuit. The Start position powers both the ignition circuit and the starter circuit, which cranks the engine. I would start by verifying voltages on the ignition switch terminals with the starter in the start & run positions.
Good Luck,
Chuck

[Mako1212]

Yep ....your right .... I dont keep the key over to the start as it will burn out the starter..... I will take your suggestion to the fellow working on my boat tommorrow.... thanks again

[lakeguy72]

Try running a wire from the battery to the battery side of the coil. This will checkout the new switch and the wire from the switch to the coil.
Hope this helps
Lakeguy

[Paul]

I agree with chucka in that you should check for 12V at the switch. Sounds like the switch itself may be defective. In the "Off" position, there should be power only at the "Bat" terminal. In the "Run" position, there should be power at the "Bat" and "I" terminals. In the "Start" position, there should be power at the "Bat", "I" and "S" terminals.

Also check that the "I"(ignition) and "S"(starter) leads have not been mistakenly both attached to the "S" terminal.

Hope This Helps
Paul
Cruise Control

[prowlersfish]

you have a bad balast restor (90%) or switch (10%) that would be my guess

[TADTOOMUCH]

You definitely have a resistor ballast problem. Part is about $6.00 and is easy to replace. Make sure it is marine rated and not just for automotive use.

[obeejr]

The last two posts are on the mark- ballast resistor. The resistor is bypassed in the start position to supply a hotter spark for starting- that's probably why it runs in that position.