Ignition switch trouble

[Hawkeye]

Paddy and I stopped over at Albert Falls for two days fishing prior to the Inanda Bass Classic.I have been having some trouble with the Ignition switch on my boat not making proper contact when trying to start the motor at times. This came to a head at Alberts when I really battled to start the motor.
Just before heading down to Inanda I phoned robfisher for some help locating boat dealers in around Pinetown Durbs. I spoke to Kirk from Mallards who told me that rarely is it the Ignition switch that gives trouble and that it was more likely the NEUTRAL SELECTOR SWITCH on the throttle. After checking with Neil Barker as well from Escape Boating he confirmed this.We pitched the tent at the Inanda campsite and started the job.
Not wanting the risk of being let down on the water in a major competition with Ignition trouble and with plenty time to spare I decided to attempt a repair.
The advice I was given was to (temporarily ) bridge the neutral slector switch wiring on the throttle handle.
getting to this portion of the selector was a real hassle as the space was severely restricted.
I have on of those flush side mounted controls that only a midgets hand can fit into between the hull and inner panel .....so Paddy ended up loosening the bolts.
Not having done this before we encountered a hassle with removing the inner retaining bolt. We were stuck !!
Just then Antonie from Jentan Marine rocked up the the Red IBC Bassboat in tow. He very kindly on going back to his workshop to fetch the Skeeter brought hisTube Spanner socket set with and helped remove this stubborn bolt. It was secured with Locktite.
By this time we managed to strip as as it was getting dark had to leave it for the next day.
Early friday morning I snipped the micro switch wires and joined them and just to make sure checked the ignition. We then started the task of fitting this all together again.
Happy endings.... no trouble on the water and thanks to Antonie from Jentan for helping out.
So if you are faced with a similar incident, make sure your throttle lever is properly in the Neutral position and if it still gives hassles you will now know what the likely cause is.
as for the fishing ??? well thats not a story worth telling .....lol :blue-confused:

[Ninja]

What a lekka story Valkoog :blue-cool:

Glad you got sorted out, great to have caring people around.