Engine Mounted Safety Switch Question

[Geezer1]

In the process of rebuilding a 1973 Evinrude 135, and have what I believe to be a faulty engine mounted safety switch. What, exactly, is the function of this switch? Is it strictly for allowing the engine to only be started in neutral? If so, why is one mounted on the engine, when there is also one in the remote control? I've been told that I can bypass this engine mounted switch by disconnecting the white wire on it and placing a ground wire on the solenoid stud this wire is mounted to. Is this true? By doing so, will the neutral safety switch in the remote control still function properly? As always, inputs are appreciated. Geezer.

 

[F_R]

Re: Engine Mounted Safety Switch Question

You are correct, it is overkill. It is there because they had no way of knowing that the furnished remote control would be used or some other one without start in neutral protection. Go ahead and ground the white wire that is attached to the switch or remove it and ground the solenoid post. Either way accomplishes the same thing. The switch in the control will continue to function and provide protection.

 

[gm280]

Re: Engine Mounted Safety Switch Question

Yes the switch on the engine IS a neutral safety switch. And like others stated you can disconnect the white wire and short it to ground to bypass that switch. However, I think the better option is to leave that switch intact and bypass the switch at the control box and here is why. If, for some unforeseen reason the control box cables get out-of-adjustment (and we all know that can easily happen) the switch at the engine is mechanically linked to the actual gear linkage. That would be a better safety switch then the one at the controls...and prevent a start of the engine while in gear... So if you are going to bypass one of the safety switches, make it the least likely to get out of adjustment... Of course this is just my opinion... :joyous:

 

[Geezer1]

Re: Engine Mounted Safety Switch Question

Thank you both for your quick responses. Geezer.