Had trouble getting my key into the ignition switch on my 2005 MKII... finally did, now it wont come out... or rather it comes out half way then it hangs up on something. Tried the WD 40 route so it looks like I'll have to change the switch.
I left the key in and it starts the engine so I'm in no great rush, but before I open up the panel to get the switch out, does anyone know if it's a unique switch or if I can get a basic one from our friends at WM? I'd hate to cut the old one out then find I have to wait for a special key switch.
Thanks
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Chuck Parker
HelenRita 2072 Mk II
2002 Tall Rig - Winged Keel
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
Chuck
Have you tried spraying powdered graphite in the keyhole and wiggling the key in and out as much as you can. It lubricates locks and keyholes better than WD-40. It is available at most harware stores in a flexible plastic tube that allows the graphite to be spayed.
__/)__/)__/)__Capt Mike__/)__/)__/)__
Punta Gorda Florida
1990 Std WK M35 Hull #1050
It's the basic one you should be able to get from WM. But take the old one out first, so you can make sure of a match.
Larry Brandt
S/V High Flight #2109
Pacific Northwest, PDX-based
2002 C-36 mkII SR/FK M35B
Thanks.. I'll try the graphite 1st... the problem is with the key in it it's hard to sppray anything into the switch itslef.
Chuck Parker
HelenRita 2072 Mk II
2002 Tall Rig - Winged Keel
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
out, then you can spray lubricant in there; just spray it on the key and push the key back in.
In any case, I recently replaced my switch. Found the replacement at a chandler other than WM, but I'd imagine WM carries it too. It's a very easy job.
SF Bay
1998 C36
Graphite didn't work... but 16kts steady, 6.1 on a reach this afternoon... the key works, wont come out but it works... I'll get to it... eventually!
Chuck Parker
HelenRita 2072 Mk II
2002 Tall Rig - Winged Keel
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
My switch was getting a little flakey last fall so I ordered a new one from Catalina Direct and replacement was very simple. Came with a nice rubber cover to keep dirt and water out. Came with 2 new keys that are easy to identify on the key chain as well.
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Harold Baker
S/V Lucky Duck
Duncan Bay Boat Club
Cheboygan Michigan - Lake Huron
1989 C-36 mkI TR/WK M25XP
Chuck (and Harold),
When you install the new ignition switch, make sure you put in a squirt or two of Corrosion Block or similar. The environment we ask these components to operate in is not the most gentle. Even with a rubber cap, salt-ladden moisture can get into the switch and cause the "flakeyness". There's an article in the Maintenance Section that describes this:
[URL]http://www.c36ia.com/node/961[/URL]
You should also take the cover off the start button and do the same thing. Just a thought.
Tom Sokoloski
C36/375IA Past Commodore
Noank, CT
Our Mark I cockpit panels come with that nice clear plastic covering, but it only goes three quarters of the way down - so you can insert the key and push the buttons, right? Ever since we've had our boat we have a snap on Sunbrella cover that goes over the whole cockpit panel. It's like putting on our mainsail cover when we leave the boat. Easy to make at home, too, if you don't want to pay to have it done.
Stu Jackson, C34IA Secretary, C34 #224, 1986, SR/FK, M25 engine, Rocna 10 (22#)
Thanks Tom and Stu! Great ideas and my To Do list just got a little longer.
I need to look over the Maintenance section more!
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Harold Baker
S/V Lucky Duck
Duncan Bay Boat Club
Cheboygan Michigan - Lake Huron
1989 C-36 mkI TR/WK M25XP