1972 36' Trojan Eletrical Starting Issue

[planb]

I'm experiencing an occasional short with the electric power to my starboard ignition. My mechanic replaced the nuetral shift protector switch thinking it was the problem but the problem still infrequently occurs. At times when I turn the starboard key there is not power to the ignition, the fuel tank gauge does not work, and all the power controls such as the engine primers and other gauges associated with the starboard side of the panel do not work. Sometimes wiggling the key or depressing the the primer button seems to fix the problem and sometimes it seems like it just fixs itself.

Any ideas on what could be causing this would be appreciated.

[f36f36]

check all the electrical connections from the dc breakers thru the lower ign switches, up to the helm.....bet you find a loose or corroded one........

[etpence]

sound like a ign. switch problem, I was have the same problem
changed out the key switch and it went away
todd 31 trojan Mio Mio

[HAPPY CLAM]

It sounds like the same problem I had last season. The Starbord side would crank, but power to the coil and ignition would be intermittent and even if it did finally start, would not stay running for long. I checked power feed to the coil and determined it was being interupeted at the switch, replaced it with a marine brass type and checked the 12v feed and ground, problem solved.
I really love this 1972 31' Sea Raider, but have had alot of gremlins to deal with, mostly engine and electrical, but have learned alot and worked out most of the bugs. One surprise was buying a boat I was told had 302 interceptors,(215 Mercruiser) , but found out after some ignition issues that the timing order was wrong, turned out the motors have 351 timing order, not 302, good greif, that sure took alot of tinkering to find out, not to mention alot of wasted gas. Anyway, about the wiring, check the 12v feed(fuse, breaker, etc) to whatever is giving you greif, then the switch, then ground.
I have the boat fixed up as a dive boat, took off the old plastic swim platform and built a nice on of teak and mahogany with a heavy duty stainless ladder. Will be putting some pics on the site soon, the boat may be going up for sale soon, need something bigger.

[Danny Bailey]

I had the same problem on my 1980 F-36 and finally found a loose terminal screw on the back of the ignition switch. May not be where your loose connection is but that's sure what it sounds like.