TheCatOfAges Posted May 26, 2023 Share Posted May 26, 2023 does anyone know what this is? it was listed as a mercury switch. if anyone knows what this actually is that would be helpful. : ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryB Posted May 26, 2023 Share Posted May 26, 2023 It’s most likely a switch that contains a small amount of liquid mercury to operate. When you tilt the switch the mercury inside will make the switch make contact. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheCatOfAges Posted May 26, 2023 Author Share Posted May 26, 2023 26 minutes ago, TerryB said: It’s most likely a switch that contains a small amount of liquid mercury to operate. When you tilt the switch the mercury inside will make the switch make contact. it only has one wire, does it switch ground? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roysboystoys Posted May 26, 2023 Share Posted May 26, 2023 Usually for hood or trunk light. Grounds the base side of bulb. You can test it with an ohmmeter. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheCatOfAges Posted May 26, 2023 Author Share Posted May 26, 2023 59 minutes ago, roysboystoys said: Usually for hood or trunk light. Grounds the base side of bulb. You can test it with an ohmmeter. i figured it outz it gives ground. i simply need a socket with an external ground wire to route to it. i want a trunk light in my '57 ford fairlane, and figured a '61-65ish ford truck dome light would work perfectly, mounted on the particle shelf, with this as the switch to give ground. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sagefinds Posted May 26, 2023 Share Posted May 26, 2023 One drawback to a mercury switch,in freezing weather the mercury freezes solid and dudn't work so good anymore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheCatOfAges Posted May 26, 2023 Author Share Posted May 26, 2023 Just now, sagefinds said: One drawback to a mercury switch,in freezing weather the mercury freezes solid and dudn't work so good anymore. ive never had that issue before, even then, i dont drive it in winter so it doesnt matter much Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldtech Posted May 27, 2023 Share Posted May 27, 2023 6 hours ago, sagefinds said: One drawback to a mercury switch,in freezing weather the mercury freezes solid and dudn't work so good anymore. Only below - 40. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jolly_John Posted May 27, 2023 Share Posted May 27, 2023 I suggest you test this mercury switch for proper operation BEFORE bothering to install it. I've found many of these used 50-75-year-old mercury switches aren't in working condition these days. This problem is electrical, and not related to temperature. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sagefinds Posted May 27, 2023 Share Posted May 27, 2023 10 hours ago, Oldtech said: Only below - 40. I was watching a science show many years ago,the guy poured mercury into a mold the shape of a hammer,froze it and then pounded a nail into a board with it. I don't know what temp he froze it at but that kind of always stuck with me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheCatOfAges Posted May 27, 2023 Author Share Posted May 27, 2023 21 minutes ago, Jolly_John said: I suggest you test this mercury switch for proper operation BEFORE bothering to install it. I've found many of these used 50-75-year-old mercury switches aren't in working condition these days. This problem is electrical, and not related to temperature. John at about a 45-65 degree angle the ohm meter reads about 9 ohms. should work. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hans1 Posted May 28, 2023 Share Posted May 28, 2023 As info: My 50's outbard motors have mercury switches, levers in correct position to start. Cant be bothered with freezing to much as Mercury freezes at -37.894 F. Probably does not bother old car operations for most of us in USA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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