1995 253SC Looking for help

[Hammer]

Hello,
I am looking for information on the best places to buy a few parts. I am also having some issues with a couple items, and I wanted to ask the group for help.
It's a 1995 Cobalt 253S, Its a cuddy cabin with a MerCruiser 454 and a bravo 3. I purchased it last year and we love the boat. I have added a large stereo and new interior. We get a ton of use out of it here in Arizona as our boating season never really ends.

We have developed a couple issues and I want to fix them.

First issue is the ignition switch broke. The momentary part of the ignition broke and know the key will spin all the way around. I'm looking for a new keyed ignition switch that I don't need to rewire the entire system. Where is the best place to find one? I looked at amazon and did some google searches. I cannot find anything.

Second issue is, when the power master is turned on the automatic bilge pump will just turn on. It's not all the time but even when there is no water in the bilge it will run. The light on the dash turns on as if there was water in it. Is it just the pump or is there another problem?

Third is the steering. It is very slow and at times clunky. The pump is full and other then that I have no idea what im looking for. I would assume it would work more freely.

Fourth is the headlights. Are there any upgrades. When I turn them on the electrical system dims, sometimes it kills the stereo that is hardwired to the battery. I think those old-style bulbs are a huge drain. I'd like to swap them out to LEDs or something that doesn't take as much juice. Anyone ever upgraded.

Lastly is the throttle control. Internally there must be some serious wire issues. At times the outboard elevation control with just start going up or down. I have also seen smoke and smelt electrical burning smell coming out of the mechanism.

[AsLan7]

.
Hey Jeremy. So glad you found us!

Try Overtons or greatlakesskipper.Com for an ignition switch. Do you have a dealer close by? They can also help.

Your bilge float switch is probably stuck in the up position. See if it moves freely up and down.

Steering cables may need replaced or at a minimum greased.

Yes replace those can light bulbs with LED’s. They run cooler and draw less current.

Throttle can be taken apart and trim switch disassembled. Clean and check wiring. Also check wiring at the trim pump in the engine compartment. That’s a serious issue if you see or smell smoke.

Others will chime in shortly. Any pics?
And welcome aboard mate!

.

[okielaker]

Fourth is the headlights. Are there any upgrades. When I turn them on the electrical system dims, sometimes it kills the stereo that is hardwired to the battery. I think those old-style bulbs are a huge drain. I'd like to swap them out to LEDs or something that doesn't take as much juice. Anyone ever upgraded.

The old-style bulbs are a drain, but not THAT huge... there's something else going
on if switching on 2 bulbs dims the whole system and kills the stereo. But LED bulbs
are a great upgrade, and will be cooler and easier on the battery.

[Krob1114]

Agreed. I'm wondering if it's time to replace the battery.

[Big Block Power]

Fourth is the headlights. Are there any upgrades. When I turn them on the electrical system dims, sometimes it kills the stereo that is hardwired to the battery. I think those old-style bulbs are a huge drain. I'd like to swap them out to LEDs or something that doesn't take as much juice. Anyone ever upgraded.

The old-style bulbs are a drain, but not THAT huge... there's something else going
on if switching on 2 bulbs dims the whole system and kills the stereo. But LED bulbs
are a great upgrade, and will be cooler and easier on the battery.

Yes mine did the same. Do some searches in here. There are plenty of threads doing the conversion.
Don't forget to get led stainless steel cup holders

[dustinm]

You do realize those are not headlights and docking lights? And should only be used for only docking.

If those light are drawing down the whole system either you have a dead short or a really bad connection feeding everything effected

[Big Block Power]

You do realize those are not headlights and docking lights? And should only be used for only docking.

If those light are drawing down the whole system either you have a dead short or a really bad connection feeding everything effected

Na their headlights! What you talking about