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  1. #1
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    How long do regular Merc/Quicksilver switch boxes last?

    And what wears them out? Total hours? High rpm? Simple aging since most outboards sit unused for long periods?

    I’ve got six ratty looking old switch boxes, two of which are in use on my 1987 2.0l 150. They seem to be perfectly fine. But I have no idea how long to expect them to last? I probably put 50 hours a year on them.

    -Peter
    "padded wonder"
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    the wet:
    Hydrostream Viper, 140 v4 crossflow, some Raker props
    16' Baja/Tahiti/Sidewinder clone, 135 v4 crossflow
    17' boston whaler alert, 90 merc fourstroke
    13' boston whaler, 40hp yamaha

    the dry:
    2003 bmw ///M5
    1993 mustang/griggs racing road race car
    and a handful of clunkers

  2. #2
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    I have an 85 2L 150 that have the original boxes on it, 653 hrs on the motor.

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  4. #3
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    Ya it's a crap shoot , like above ,last forever, some dont , I couldn't tell u with confidence on what actually kills em

    Maybe crappy battery? Arc a wire?

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  6. #4
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    Take one apart and it becomes obvious.

  7. #5
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    I got to ask - why the riddle - what is obvious . Please expand your answer

  8. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by Merc 2.5 View Post
    Ya it's a crap shoot , like above ,last forever, some dont , I couldn't tell u with confidence on what actually kills em

    Maybe crappy battery? Arc a wire?
    Bit of a mystery then.

    maybe I should just stfu and be glad mine are working and not worry about it until something goes wrong. :-/

    ... and just keep changing water pumps and fuel pumps every couple of years

    -Peter
    "padded wonder"
    __________
    the wet:
    Hydrostream Viper, 140 v4 crossflow, some Raker props
    16' Baja/Tahiti/Sidewinder clone, 135 v4 crossflow
    17' boston whaler alert, 90 merc fourstroke
    13' boston whaler, 40hp yamaha

    the dry:
    2003 bmw ///M5
    1993 mustang/griggs racing road race car
    and a handful of clunkers

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  10. #7
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    I just replaced my switch boxes. One had failed after 29 years and the other was still working. Battery kept on a trickle charger when not in use so no idea why it picked now to go.

  11. #8
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    Some were junk when new, just like some of the stators Merc put out. My 1988 150 came with crap electronics. Once everything was replaced it ran like it should. My son has it now and I think the stator was replaced one more time.

  12. #9
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    Never ever replace a single switch box.

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