Faulty Clean-Out Hatch Switch

[Topper232]

So, when I was flushing the boat after the first run last weekend, I already had the clean-out hatch open from taking the plugs out. When I started the Starboard engine, it ran fine, when I went to start the Port engine, it wouldn't start. I quickly said, duh, the clean-out hatch is open. Then I realized that it was open the whole time that I flushed the Starboard engine. I closed the hatch, fired up the starboard engine (no water) and it ran, but when I opened the hatch, it kept running, so clearly it's not doing what's it's supposed to do.

Has anyone documented replacing these, or it's so easy that I should be able to figure it out once I'm in there?

Thanks

 

[itsdgm]

It's possible that your issue is further down the line. Possibly a bad ground or wire elsewhere. Before you spend $, You could pinpoint the switch easily by swapping the plugs on the wiring harnesses. If the problem swaps to the other engine, it's the switch. Keep in mind that the left switch doesn't necessarily control the left engine, etc. On my 21' boat, there's an inspection hatch that lifts out and I can reach inside and reach the electrical connections for the switches.

 

[Scottintexas]

Wow!! $100. for that switch ???, I think I would try to outsource it to a different switch

 

[Topper232]

It's possible that your issue is further down the line. Possibly a bad ground or wire elsewhere. Before you spend $, You could pinpoint the switch easily by swapping the plugs on the wiring harnesses. If the problem swaps to the other engine, it's the switch. Keep in mind that the left switch doesn't necessarily control the left engine, etc. On my 21' boat, there's an inspection hatch that lifts out and I can reach inside and reach the electrical connections for the switches.

Thanks @itsdgm. I'll try flipping the switches first and see what that does.

 

[itsdgm]

Thanks @itsdgm. I'll try flipping the switches first and see what that does.

Something else to check for. I recall somebody a few years back having issues with the cleanout switches. they found their wires leading to the switches resting on the exhaust system and had melted through the insulation causing a short. So feel around in there and check for that too. Also, I think you might have to remove the cleanout tray on yours to get in there. Shouldn't be too hard.

 

[Topper232]

Something else to check for. I recall somebody a few years back having issues with the cleanout switches. they found their wires leading to the switches resting on the exhaust system and had melted through the insulation causing a short. So feel around in there and check for that too. Also, I think you might have to remove the cleanout tray on yours to get in there. Shouldn't be too hard.

Thanks again @itsdgm

 

[Scottintexas]

Topper - what was the outcome of this? did you have to replace the switch?