Neutral safety switch?

[71whaler]

Yesterday while fishing I went to restart after a short drift, turned the key and nothing. Thought perhaps the throttle was not in gear so adjusted it and tried again. nothing. again tried adjusting the throttle. nothing. checked safety laynard, good. all electronics were working, depthfinder, gps, radio. Turned everything off, checked battery switch (good), and again readjusted throttle, ie put in gear and then back in neutral. Tried motor and it started right up. Rest of the day worked fine but scared the s**t out of me, thought I was stuck waiting for a tow.<br /><br />So my question is what does this sound like? I have 71 Whaler with a 1983 75HP Evinrude. I have never taken the throttle assembly apart so I am somewhat hesitatent to do so unless I know for sure the problem is there. Is there an obvious neutral safety switch I can check? Any thoughts would be appreciated. <br /><br />Pete

 

[OBJ]

Re: Neutral safety switch?

Pete....the "Start In Neutral" switch is in the control box assembly. Maybe sticking a little from some old grease or something. If the problem persists....you may have to pay it a call. Best suggestion.....get a manual....my preference...OEM.<br /><br />Hope it was an isolated thing...... <br /><br />Jim

 

[Solittle]

Re: Neutral safety switch?

I bet this condition does not happen again but if it does you will know immediately what to do. I would leave it alone.

 

[71whaler]

Re: Neutral safety switch?

Thanks guys. I also hope that it is an isolated occurance. I have a Serloc manual but it focuses only on the motor. Unfortunately I cannot find an OEM manual. I checked with Evinrude's website and they direct you to a company that supplies old manuals. You put in your model # and it directs you to what is available. For my model the only thing they have is the original owners manual which I already have and is pretty worthless when it comes to repairs. I also checked on Ebay and various other sites to try and find an original service manual with no luck. Anyone have any suggestions?<br /><br />I am going back out on Monday so hopefully the problem does not happen again. <br /><br />Pete

 

[voodoo]

Re: Neutral safety switch?

carry a piece of wire or screwdriver so you can short the solenoid to get it started

 

[fsutim]

Re: Neutral safety switch?

How would you short the solenoid?

 

[fireman57]

Re: Neutral safety switch?

You might not have to short your starter. Jiggle your throttle handle a little while you turn the key and when it engages the neutral safety switch it will turn over. I agree with SoLittle that this might not ever happen again but it sounds like your throttle handle just wasn't hitting the switch just right.

 

[71whaler]

Re: Neutral safety switch?

I think I may have found the problem. It seems that occasionaly when starting, the starter pinion (?), the small part that rises and engages the flywheel, becomes stuck up. If you tap it, it returns to position and works fine however when stuck up the motor will not turn over. I am not sure if this was the problem in each case, as I did not remove the cover at each occurance because it was rough and I tried jiggling the throttle handle first.<br /><br /> According to the previous owner this happened a few times a year. Sometimes it would drop back down on its own, other times he would have to remove the cover and tap it with a wrench. I am going to try and lube it and see if that helps. As far as the previous owner remembers this is the original starter. The motor is a 1983 model.