Shifting Issues

[nkswell]

I am having an issue with shifting boat from forward to neutral and reverse. After doing some research and manual reading I learned of the interupt switch. I found it wasn't hooked up. So I hooked it up but now the engine dies when trying to put in either forward or reverse. I understand the roller is supposed to be in the valley at neutral then kill the engine when it it 1/8 inch up. does it fall back to the valley. Because mine goes to the top and stays. anyone know what is wrong? driving me nuts.

 

[ktbarrentine]

Re: Shifting Issues

Have you researched this thread?

http://forums.iboats.com/mercruiser...nterrupt-system-works-288089.html#post1930449

may have the answers you need. Sounds like it may be time for a new lower shift cable.

 

[sti1471]

Re: Shifting Issues

The interrupt switch should only activate when it is shifted from forward to Neutral, and from Reverse to Neutral. It should not be engaging when going into gear. If your cutoff switch is going up and staying up, then it might be getting stuck if there is grim, oil or other stuff and could use a cleaning.

With your finger, if you manually activate the cutoff switch in either up or down and let off, it should spring back to the center position. If it does not then I am guessing it might need to be cleaned, or the lower shift cable needs to be adjusted or replaced. But the bigger question is why is the cutoff switch being activated when shifting into gear? this would indicate that your shift plate is pulling on the shift cable until it reaches it's end of travel, or your cable is old and required more tension that the cutoff switch can handle.

 

[nkswell]

Re: Shifting Issues

The shift cable was replaced less than two years ago by a marine tech. prior to 2012 season when I first got the boat. Then before I put it into the water I pulled the drive and did the bellows so I had to unhook the cable. I think I adjusted it correctly as the boat worked (at least seemed to work) fine last season. So I should clean the switch plate and adjust the cable????

 

[sti1471]

Re: Shifting Issues

The first thing you need to do is test the cutoff switch by pressing down on it, or pulling it up until it is in contact position (for a better test remove the shift cable so your cutoff switch is moving freely). Then quickly let off, does the cutoff switch spring back to the center position, does it slowly return to center position, does it stay in the cutoff position?

Is there a bunch of built up oil/dirt/grease around/behind the cutoff switch. you will get a better idea once you do the spring back test.