Motor stalls when shifting

[Beachcraft 1]

1977 Mecruiser 228 (350 motor, not 305)

I have tested the switch interruptor switch and there is continuity when closed, so, I don't suspect it now..but no expert. However, I have rebuilt the Q-jet and ran with no choke, because the old divorced choke coil thermostat on manifold is gone. I can not get it to idle very low and when I adjust the idle screw to a certain point, well before a good idle speed, the motor shuts off. May be the lack of choke and high idle cam off, but should still be able to idle. Idle mixture screws don't seem to help much. Also have to give a couple pumps and quite a bit of throttle to start. Vacuum leak? I am at my wits end. I swore I got it into gear in the field with earmuffs, but in the lake no go.

So, it could be the idle is too high and therfore too high to go into gear. (Happens in forward and reverse). The carb needs help no doubt, but is it a switch, linkage, or something else in the remote system?

Thanks.

 

[Doernuth]

Re: Motor stalls when shifting

check the adjustment on the shift cable. If it is hanging or has too much slop in it it could be holding open the interupter too long.

 

[Beachcraft 1]

Re: Motor stalls when shifting

check the adjustment on the shift cable. If it is hanging or has too much slop in it it could be holding open the interupter too long.

Thanks. I ordered a new Q-jet and will go through the shift cable, linkage and let you know.

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: Motor stalls when shifting

You get a marine rated one? they're not the same.

 

[WILSONS88]

Re: Motor stalls when shifting

Sounds like the lower shift cable needs to be replaced. Not the carb. Shift cable is probably stiff and holds the interupt switch open to long.

 

[Beachcraft 1]

Re: Motor stalls when shifting

I always go marine, don't want a blown boat or fat ticket. As for the carb, the "wiggle" room in the throttle plate is causing a vacuum leak and preventing a low idle, so, trying to shift into gear at high RPMs can't be helping matters.

I hope the cable doesn't need replaced, I am hoping there is too much slop. Can these be removed and lubed, etc.? Any idea how much shift cables go for?

 

[moistsoil]

Re: Motor stalls when shifting

Just needed a replacement and the shop quoted 160 for part and 368 for labor. After talking for a while he said i could disconnect the switch and it should work fine but it will be hard to get in and out of gear due to the motor continuously running.

 

[Don S]

Re: Motor stalls when shifting

After talking for a while he said i could disconnect the switch and it should work fine but it will be hard to get in and out of gear due to the motor continuously running.

That's the kind of backyard mechanic that should be avoided at all costs. He's an idiot.
You need a shift cable, or you are going to either break your old one, the control or even damage the drive doing something dumb like that.

 

[WILSONS88]

Re: Motor stalls when shifting

I completely agree with Don. Me personally I would find a new mechanic. I had mine replaced last year and it was only 350.00 including the cable. And that price was during the boating season when they were busy.

 

[moistsoil]

Re: Motor stalls when shifting

I will definitely look around for a better price. Thanks guys.