Change OMC ignition interupt

[chopperdog]

1988 bayliner ciera with OMC 3.0L.

Ignition interupter is not so great. Replaced the switches, and the ESA module.
Local marine mechanic said most people he knows just disconnect it.

Did this, but it doesn't like coming out of gear.

Had this idea ( I know) about using the ignition interupt switch to ground the negative side of the coil temporarily when shifting.
Wired it up, and it works great when I push the switch myself.
Problem is with the mechanism that activates the switch. It is not rotating to a position that allows the switch to open, after in gear.

Any ideas. Has anyone else attempted this?

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Change OMC ignition interupt

that mechanism sounds like it's stiff dirty or corroded or otherwise it should spring return to neutral position and off the switch cam, if the lower shift cable has gotten stiff it will cause the same problem. Adjusments must be sequetially performed, any drives with the interupt switch eliminated will be short lived.

 

[Don S]

Re: Change OMC ignition interupt

Very typical problem with OMC Cobra's and Mercruiser Alpha drives. The shift interrupt system is working, it's the cable that is causeing the problem and is one of the most common problems for those drives. To give you some idea of how it works, read this thread.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?p=1930449#post1930449

But, only read it to understand the reasons for it and how it basically works. With the OMC system and the ESA module, it just kills spark to have of the cylinders, with a Merc setup the engine looses all spark and dies.
With a new cable and properly adjusted to OMC specs, it should shift easily in and out of gear.