Wiring for 400 Sundancer ignition switch

drprunner

Member
Dec 31, 2008
77
SE Florida
Boat Info
1997 400 Sundancer
Engines
Caterpillar 3116 300hp
I have a 1997 400 diesel Sundancer. I recently replaced the dash panels, which requires removing all the wiring to the toggle switches and then reattaching the wiring to the switches in the new dash panel. Well I got every switch rewired correctly, except the starboard ignition switch. There are only 4 wires, but I can't get it rewired correctly. Does anyone know the correct wiring for this toggle switch. A picture if possible would be a huge help.
 
I could probably help if I had diesels but I assume my ignition system is inferior just like my motors. :):) ha.

Hope you get it figured out and please share some photos of your new panels?? I bet those look slick.
 
I could probably help if I had diesels but I assume my ignition system is inferior just like my motors. :):) ha.

Hope you get it figured out and please share some photos of your new panels?? I bet those look slick.
Will do.
 
Here are the switches...Emergency switch in the middle.



400da engine switches.JPG
 
I recently replaced the dash panels, which requires removing all the wiring to the toggle switches and then reattaching the wiring to the switches in the new dash panel.

I'm waiting for my new panels to arrive. This is now maybe the TENTH person I've heard of who disabled their boat in the process of swapping the switch panel.

I should probably double-check my SeaTow membership before charging my power screwdriver...!
 
I'm waiting for my new panels to arrive. This is now maybe the TENTH person I've heard of who disabled their boat in the process of swapping the switch panel.

I should probably double-check my SeaTow membership before charging my power screwdriver...!
The guage panel isn't too bad but the toggle switch panel is a bitch. Worth the effort though looks amazing. I'll post pics when done.
 
It happened already! No starter on the port engine. I was really careful with the wires, but when I clicked the ignition on, I thought I saw the halon light illuminate. The gauges all reacted and still do, but now the light only comes on with the starboard engine. Help!

warning: I may profess love to the person who helps me solve this. :D
 
Yours is a gas boat, so I can't be specific, but if you saw the halon light activate that might be part of the issue.

I do know the Sea-Fire system will shutdown the engines...There is a reset button on the Sea-Fire panel. If you contact them, they are very responsive...

Otherwise, I'll need more info to help you figure it out. But, I would start with the reset on the Sea-fire if you think all the wires are connected correctly.

Is the Stbd engine running fine?
 
The picture from Boat Guy did the trick. I got the starboard ignition wired correctly and working great! Thanks!!!!

So far I only have the guage and toggle switch panels replaced. Next week I start the other 2 panels.
 

Attachments

  • panels.JPG
    panels.JPG
    148.4 KB · Views: 180
The picture from Boat Guy did the trick. I got the starboard ignition wired correctly and working great! Thanks!!!!

So far I only have the guage and toggle switch panels replaced. Next week I start the other 2 panels.

Looks good....I actually replaced my equipment panel with starboard and prefer it...I just rest two IPads on it. I also have two plotters...
 
Yours is a gas boat, so I can't be specific, but if you saw the halon light activate that might be part of the issue.

I do know the Sea-Fire system will shutdown the engines...There is a reset button on the Sea-Fire panel. If you contact them, they are very responsive...

Otherwise, I'll need more info to help you figure it out. But, I would start with the reset on the Sea-fire if you think all the wires are connected correctly.

Is the Stbd engine running fine?

I should’ve specified that it’s the green “ready” light for the halon system. It should come on when the keys and breakers on the panel are on, but now only the starboard switches do it.

I’m guessing that I have some wires switched, but I’m surprised at that - I was trying to be careful.
 
More findings: with the starboard ignition circuit on, which illuminates the halon-ready light, the port engine will turn and fire. Only with parallel battery though. The batteries were new this spring. The converter was on. They show 13.7v on the Garmins and the dash gauge agrees.

When the starboard ignition circuit is off, (light is off) the port starter does nothing, even when paralleled.
 
More findings: with the starboard ignition circuit on, which illuminates the halon-ready light, the port engine will turn and fire. Only with parallel battery though. The batteries were new this spring. The converter was on. They show 13.7v on the Garmins and the dash gauge agrees.

When the starboard ignition circuit is off, (light is off) the port starter does nothing, even when paralleled.

Roller I'll watch this thread and if you don't have it figured out by the weekend I might be able to take some pics for you. Unfortunately I can't get to the boat until Saturday. I did this project to my 310 back in 2014 and I tell you I didn't realize what I was getting into. It was a real PIA. I did one switch at a time. Doing it that way sure makes it tighter to work on everything but it did keep me from crossing up any wires. I probably just got lucky though. Good Luck and I'll keep watching.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
112,948
Messages
1,422,811
Members
60,930
Latest member
Ebrown69
Back
Top