E-28+ battery selector switch

[pcrider]

The battery selector switch on my 1984 E28+ just broke off in my hand. It had been getting harder to turn for years and finally gave up. The post sheared off flush with the panel, as the photo shows. Anyone else have this problem? Are replacements available, or do I have to use one of those ugly red things that seem to be the only replacement now at West Marine, etc? How is the original switch fastened to the back of the panel? Epoxy? Is cutting a giant hole in the panel the only way to remove it? Make a whole new panel? Photos show front and rear of panel.

 

[peaman]

If you can get the switch (and everything else) off of the panel, and if you can cut a bigger hole for the switch, you may be able to mount one of these from the rear of the panel. No doubt there are other possible solutions.

Dimensional drawing.

 

[Dave G.]

How is the original switch fastened to the back of the panel?

I guess it could be epoxy but more likely something like 4200 or 5200. I don't have any direct knowledge but they probably used what was around and those seem the most likely. I would try getting a putty knife in there and try tapping it in between the panel and switch housing. What's behind that insulator board the power studs come through ? Have you taken the wires off the back to see if that unveils any clues ? If not that's where I would start.

 

[pcrider]

If you can get the switch (and everything else) off of the panel, and if you can cut a bigger hole for the switch, you may be able to mount one of these from the rear of the panel. No doubt there are other possible solutions.

Dimensional drawing.

That is the type of ugly red switch I was referring to. Seems to be the only option these days. I saw one on another boat while poking around other posts. It's not terrible, it's just not the sleek, integrated OEM switch. But if it works...

 

[pcrider]

I guess it could be epoxy but more likely something like 4200 or 5200. I don't have any direct knowledge but they probably used what was around and those seem the most likely. I would try getting a putty knife in there and try tapping it in between the panel and switch housing. What's behind that insulator board the power studs come through ? Have you taken the wires off the back to see if that unveils any clues ? If not that's where I would start.

I haven't taken anything apart except to take these photos. I will try the putty knife, carefully. It's probably a plastic board, not metal.

 

[pcrider]

Reporting success on installing a new battery selector switch! The old switch seemed to be fastened on with "a lick and promise" as my dad used to say. There was a partial bead of something yellow with age around the back rim of the switch, but the main holdfast seemed to be the post for the switch. After I removed the wires from the back of the switch, I could easily click it from stop to stop by holding the body of the switch while the post remained stuck in the panel. So apparently it was the post that was sticking things up, not the internal parts of the switch. I ended up partially Dremeling and then drilling the post out, and the switch body fell off the back of the panel. (see photo)

My local marine consignment store had a dozen or so battery switches. All but two were as sticky or stickier than my old switch. I took the better of the two remaining choices, but it had a panel screwed to the front that was too big to fit on my panel. I couldn't get two of the four screws holding it off anyway, so it was back to the consignment store with that one. Closer inspection of the remaining stock revealed a switch of exactly the same model as my old one, with a different handle but an easy motion from stop to stop. And only $18 compared to $50 for the first one! I rigged up four bolts through the panel and grommet-type clamps on the body of the switch to hold in in place, reconnected all the wires, et voila! Everything works except the AM/FM receiver and tape deck. (Tape deck! Ha! That shows you how old my boat is.) I must have jostled that wire. I didn't intentionally disconnect anything but the switch. I'll look at it later. I only get about two English-language FM stations and one AM station anyway at my slip. The engine starts, too. Always a plus.

I didn't take a picture of the new bolts securing the switch, but can if anyone is interested.

Wishing you equal success on your projects.