Engine dies when trying to shift into reverse

[mskrom]

Hello-

I have a 1991 Merc Black Max XR4 150, and recently, every time I try to shift the engine into reverse, the motor dies before I even get the shifter to the reverse position to engage the gear.

Talking to some other people who have owned Mercs of various models, I have heard that this is sometimes a problem--- some switch goes bad or something.

Can anyone give me some pointers on what to look for?

Thanks

 

[Laddies]

Re: Engine dies when trying to shift into reverse

It most commonly is caused by a low idle speed, have you replaced your plugs lately or ran carb cleaner through the fuel system?

 

[Ram57]

Re: Engine dies when trying to shift into reverse

Not sure if your model has a shift interupt switch, im guessing thats what your asking about. If it idles fine when in nuetral, how does it act when putting it into forward gear? Do you have to throttle it up to keep it from dieing? If so, than the interupt switch is probably bad.
Hope this helps.