Lower shift cable behavior?

[MagKarl]

First things first, I tried to add my serial numbers to my signature, let me know if you can see them.

1981 228. I am familiar with and have printed the shift cable adjustment procedure, currently at 6" and assuming that is correct for my drive. I am getting the expected lock and ratchet behavior at the prop in both forward and reverse. So far so good.

When I pull far enough to reverse to actuate the carb, the shift interrupt switch is moving. This doesn't happen in forward. Is that expected or indicative of an adjustment error or cable flaw? I am worried the engine will die if I give too much reverse throttle when docking.

 

[dubs283]

shift interrupt switch should not be engaging when shifting into either gear, it is designed to engage when shifting from gear into neutral, this is of course under a load. it is near impossible to inspect shift interrupt switch behavior without a load

in your case without a load, the shift interrupt switch operation is negligible. with no load and the switch engaging going into gear usually indicates a worn cable that requires replacement

 

[jmpridgen]

Dubs283 is correct that it should only engage when shifting from a gear to neutral.