Starting engine question

[nightvision]

Hi all,<br />A couple question from a new boater. <br /><br />a. I have a Sea Ray 180 Sport and want to know if one can start the engine if the boat is in gear? The protocol on my boat is to press the "throttle only button", prime with one pump using the shift/throttle button, and put it 1/4 open throttle position. Then start the engine. If I did not press the "throttle only button" and put the shift/throttle button in the 1/4 open position then the boat should not start correct?<br /><br />b. When I press the "throttle only button", prime with one pump using the shift/throttle button, put it 1/4 open throttle position, starts the engine then the engine will be in idle. Is the prop spining at this point? At this position, will one endanger the U bolts if the stern drive is still in the trailer position? <br /><br />Thanks.

 

[milkyway]

Re: Starting engine question

Someone correct me here if I'm wrong.<br /><br />If you hit the ingnition with the shift on 1/4 forward and you did not use the throttle only button prior to shifting, the engine will still start but the gears on the outdrive will be engaged and your prop will be spinning. And this is the reverse to your second question. The prop does not spin if you press the throttle only button before shifting.

 

[Don S]

Re: Starting engine question

You have to have the shifter in the throttle only position to start it at 1/4 throttle. There is a neutral safety switch in the control box that prevents you from cranking the engine (engaging the starter)while in gear. The shifting is done in the lower unit part of the outdrive so the ujoint shaft and the gears in the upper housing are always turning when the engine is running.<br /><br />You NEVER want to start an engine in the full up position, this is hard on the ujoints, gimbal bearing and coupler, on some outdrives (Older Volvo's), it will destroy the engine bellhousing.<br />You also need to hook up water to the drive with muffs or you will destroy your raw water pump impeller in short order.