Engine trouble (not staying running.

[jmarines]

Ok guys... need some help. I have a 1995 mericruiser 3.0lx with a alfa 1 gen 2 outdrive. Here's the problem. I was having a no start issue when we arrived at the lake. I wasn't getting any spark . I just did the regular maintenance which included an new distributor cap and rotor. I decided to check the kill switch on that's on top of the valve cover that kills the engine while shifting gears buy bypassing it. No start didn't change. I went ahead and started checking all the connections to the distributor and I forgot to connect to connector which has the 2 white wires ..when I turned the key The motor started. When I reconnected the connector with the 2 white wires the engined died. ..what could be the issue..any help would be great considering we are at the lake and I'm trying to get this thing going to get back into the water.

 

[alldodge]

I decided to check the kill switch on that's on top of the valve cover that kills the engine while shifting gears buy bypassing it.

That's not a kill switch, its the shift interrupter switch, If you bypassed it (connecting the two wires together) then its always ON and will kill the motor. Connect the interrupter switch back up, make sure the two white wires on distributer plug are not connected together, and try again

 

[jmarines]

Thanks alldodge.. did what you asked. The motor will not turn on unless the connector with the 2 white wires is disconnected.

 

[alldodge]

Thanks alldodge.. did what you asked. The motor will not turn on unless the connector with the 2 white wires is disconnected.

The two white wires are disconnected, just hanging loose? The other wire should go back to the shift interrupter.

Disconnect one of the wires on the shift interrupter and leave loose.

 

[jmarines]

Yes ..that is correct. Both white wires are not connected to anything. The black wired goes into a wire loom.

 

[alldodge]

Yes ..that is correct. Both white wires are not connected to anything. The black wired goes into a wire loom.

If the motor dies with the switch disconnected and the distributer plug connected then its the wire going back into the wire loom.

If it doesn't die with distributer plug connected and interrupter switch disconnected, then the switch is either bad or needs to be adjusted.

 

[jmarines]

I disconnect one of the wires from the shift interrupter.. same issue... no start..

 

[alldodge]

I disconnect one of the wires from the shift interrupter.. same issue... no start..

Check the pins on the distributer plug and make sure there not bent

If not bent, measure voltage at the interrupter switch, one side should have 12V, the other should not. with key ON
Next reconnect the interrupt switch and measure voltage on the black wirer pin at the plug, not connected to the distributer

 

[jmarines]

Ok.. here's the deal.. I went back other and messed with it a few more times. Seems like my issues keep shifting around. Now it's starting but every time I put it in reverse it just dies. Guy from down the street seems to think it's my shift cable messing things up. I'm just going to take it down to the local marine mechanic and see what he has to say.

 

[Bondo]

Guy from down the street seems to think it's my shift cable messing things up.

Ayuh,....Readin' yer story, I'm gonna agree, ya need a new lower shift cable,....

 

[jmarines]

First quote is for $300.. wish I was at home so I could do it myself.

 

[alldodge]

Things don't add up, you disconnected one side of the interrupter switch and connected the plug and the motor died or would not start. Then it does run connected but dies when shifting into reverse.

If the plugs in and you can get it to start and run but fie when going into gear then its the shift cable or adjustment. Try to adjust the interrupter switch and shift cable
http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engi...gines-outdrives/604924-a-couple-of-new-videos

 

[jmarines]

I'm not sure either.. it's at the shop at the moment waiting to hear back

 

[jmarines]

Ok guys..uodate7
It was a combination of the interrupter needing adjustment and shift cable. It's back in the water running great

 

[alldodge]

Cool, glad your back up