898 will not shift into neutral

[jas587]

I have a 79 Sea Ray SRV 200 and am having trouble getting the outdrive to shift into neutral, in fact I have to turn the ignition off to get in back in neutral. The shift cable is new, I think there is a problem with the switch plate interrupt switch. Is there a way to test this switch without having it in the water? The switch I have now has the micro switch arm bent (I assume to get it to work). Mercruiser has a new design shift plate that does not have the reverse lockout so if you change it you have to change the trim pump to a newer design. Should I try to fix what I have or go with the new shift plate?

 

[Bondo]

Is there a way to test this switch without having it in the water? The switch I have now has the micro switch arm bent (I assume to get it to work).

Ayuh,.... Is there a wire goin' from the coil's (-) terminal to the shift switch, 'n another goin' to ground from the shift switch,..??

Start the motor, then depress the switch, the motor should stall,....

 

[jas587]

Ok, thanks Bondo will check that. How far should the U or V valley that the switch roller rides in move to short the negative side of coil?

 

[Fishermark]

See if this helps:

 

[johnkom]

Make sure the cam that the shift cable housing is attached too is free to rock back and forth. That sounds like a real safety issue. I know it would be with the way I operate my boat. Which by the way is also an SRV200.

Used parts can still be had on eBay to keep that system in top order.

JK

 

[jas587]

Fishermark, thanks for that info.......just what I needed, will check that tomorrow. Yesterday I took the switch out, cleaned it and sprayed contact cleaner where the switch post is against the roller arm. Then reinstalled it and moved the U or V bracket to where the switch closes with very little movement in either direction by adjusting the roller arm.

JK, I have completely taken this boat down to bare hull and installed a rebuilt 350 SBC, replacing coupler, gimbal housing assembly rebuilt by Mike's Alpha on ebay, new SEI sterndrive, disassembled the switch plate, cleaned and reassembled, new fuel tank and the list goes on and on. So hopefully this SRV will hunt as soon as I get all of the gremlins worked out. What year is your SRV and are you happy with the way it rides and performs?

This forum has been invaluable for helping me gain the knowledge to get as far as I have. I really appreciate all who have posted on how to take a basket case boat and get it back on the water to enjoy.

 

[jas587]

Bondo and Fishermark......finally able to check and adjust shift interrupt switch. The switch does kill the engine, adjusted to approximately 1/8 inch for switch closing. Took it to the lake and the drive shifted into neutral just like it should. Thank you all for your input and helping me solve my shifting problem!

 

[johnkom]

Good to hear. My SRV200 is a 1976. My son rebuilt the 5.8 ford block engine two years ago. Installed an Edelbrook intake and a 4 barrel Holley. It is originally a 233hp but with the engine mods we estimate a 260hp + or -. It rides beautifully and is rock solid. A real delight to operate. I love it--can easily spend a whole day on it.

JK