Neutral switch?-gctid347411

[Guest]

Ive been told that sometimes in order to start the boat i may have to wiggle the control around in neutral- is there an adjustment on the throttle/drive cables or is as simple as replacing a switch/relay? 1979 victoria, 5.7 single merc drive if that helps...

[Guest]

This usually means that the detents are worn and finding neutral is difficult. Mine did the same a while back, I replaced the gear and throttle base selector, disconnected the old and reconnected the new, problem solved.

Richard

[Guest]

apexaro1 wrote:
Ive been told that sometimes in order to start the boat i may have to wiggle the control around in neutral- is there an adjustment on the throttle/drive cables or is as simple as replacing a switch/relay? 1979 victoria, 5.7 single merc drive if that helps...

I've had the same problem with my boat. It took me quite some time to figure it out, as well as being stranded on the water. In any case, my problem was that the switch itself had become loose in the throttle mounting bracket. The switch itself is "captured" by two screws. These screws hold or pin the switch in place, not bolt the switch to the bracket. So in my case, both of the screws had become a little loose, which allowed the switch to move just enough that it wouldn't engage when the throttle was at neutral. This was preventing my engine from starting. Heck, the starter wouldn't even engage. There are two wires leading to the switch. I was able to unplug the wires from the switch, jumper them together, and voila! The engine cranked and started right up.

Keep in mind that I am only saying this as a troubleshooting item. Running your boat/engine like this is very dangerous because it will allow you to start the engine in gear just enough that the prop will spin. Also, my understanding is that this switch actually serves as an interrupter for when you're switching from forward to reverse or vice versa. This allows the transmission an easier engagement, and potentially reduces the chance for damage.

So I tightened up the screws, and that solved the problem, but I think I will put a new switch in, and use some lock-tight to make sure it stays put this time.

Hope that helps.

-Jorden

[Guest]

im new and really dont have a clue to what a detent is. how would i go about finding the replacement pieces? But it sounds like an inexpensive fix, so thats good news to me

[Guest]

thanks you guys... makes sense. should probably get that fixed

[Guest]

And the tinkering begins...

[Guest]

apexaro1 wrote:
im new and really dont have a clue to what a detent is. how would i go about finding the replacement pieces? But it sounds like an inexpensive fix, so thats good news to me

The detent is a "bump" that is molded or cast into the throttle lever shaft. As the shaft rotates, the bump will make contact with the switch's button or lever, thereby engaging and disengaging the switch. So the detent itself shouldn't be the problem, but the switch itself. If the switch is causing the problem, it will be because the switch is loose or faulty. Tighen or replace as needed.

Hope that helps.

[Guest]

thanks for the help, talking to you guys on here may actually make boating affordable.. haha

[2850Bounty]

Flash Jorden wrote:
............ Also, my understanding is that this switch actually serves as an interrupter for when you're switching from forward to reverse or vice versa. This allows the transmission an easier engagement, and potentially reduces the chance for damage.

Jorden, that would be for a SI (Merc's Shift Interrupt) or ESA (OMC's Electronic Shift Assist) to help return from gear into neutral.

The neutral safety switch is in the starter motor solenoid circuit only.

[Guest]

2850Bounty wrote:
Jorden, that would be for a SI (Merc's Shift Interrupt) or ESA (OMC's Electronic Shift Assist) to help return from gear into neutral.

The neutral safety switch is in the starter motor solenoid circuit only.

Yup, my bad. I should have specified that my issue was with my OMC powered boat.

Thanks,

-Jorden