Temporarily bypassing the neutral safety switch?

[JoLin]

I want to do the Joe Reeves WOT timing adjustment. How can I bypass the neutral safety, so I can get spark when cranking with the throttle all the way forward?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Temporarily bypassing the neutral safety switch?

Simply connect a start jumper switch between the positive battery terminal of the starter solenoid and the 3/8" nut terminal that engages the starter solenoid. Engaging that switch will crank the engine.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Temporarily bypassing the neutral safety switch?

Thanks, Joe - I didn't think that would crank the motor and produce spark, too.

Have a good one!

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Temporarily bypassing the neutral safety switch?

Need to have the key turned to ON.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Temporarily bypassing the neutral safety switch?

Gotcha. Thanks again.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Temporarily bypassing the neutral safety switch?

Okay, having a little problem. 175 hp, 1995, carbed.

Throttle (at the control box) pushed full forward, ignition key on. Crank the motor with the remote starter but get no spark.

Throttle (at the control box) in neutral position, ignition key on. Crank the motor with the remote starter and I get spark.

I suspect that a "start in neutral only" circuit is still keeping me from getting spark when the throttle handle is pushed forward. Anyone know a way around it?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Temporarily bypassing the neutral safety switch?

Your last post is somewhat confusing.

Are you saying that the engine doesn't crank over with the throttle applied, OR that the engine actually cranks over with the electric starter BUT will not start?

The neutral safety switch prevents the engine from cranking over with the electric starter as it should.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Temporarily bypassing the neutral safety switch?

Joe,

I actually need to make a correction to the above. I mis-stated something there.

I'm all set for the WOT timing test- plugs are out, temp sensor is grounded to disable quick-start, timing light and spark tester with 7/16" gap are in place on #1 plug cable. Here's the problem.

Up at the helm, I turn the ignition key on and push the throttle all the way forward. Back at the motor I have a remote starter switch hooked up. I hit the button, motor cranks but there's no spark.

If I move the throttle back to neutral (ignition still "on") and use the remote starter switch, engine cranks but I STILL get no spark.

What do I have to do to be able to:

1. Put the throttle lever all the way forward with ignition switch "on".
2. Crank the motor using the remote starter switch, AND get spark at the #1 cable so I can check the timing?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Temporarily bypassing the neutral safety switch?

Unless that ignition setup has a switch that I'm not aware of to cancel out the ignition at the START position of the ignition switch when at full throttle along with canceling the circuit to the starter solenoid, what you've explained wouldn't be possible.

I think that what is happening is that when you put the engine into gear, the shift interrupt switch is engaging Permanently which would kill the ignition on the starboard bank. Check to see if you still have spark on the port bank, and if so, what I am explaining her is what is taking place. To correct this situation, find the black/yellow wire leading from that shift interrupter switch that leads to the power pack and disconnect it.

Note that on that 1997 model, in order to obtain a correct timing reading, you'll need to disable the Fast Start Circuit. I'm not sure how to do that, you'll need to find that info from someone else here.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Temporarily bypassing the neutral safety switch?

Hi, Joe.

The fast start circuit on my motor is disabled by grounding the tan wire from the temp sensor. I did that.

I switched the tester and timing light over to the port bank. Cylinder #2. Got precisely the same results.

Regardless of helm control position (neutral or full forward), with ignition on I can't get spark using the remote starter switch.

If I move the helm control to neutral position and use the key switch, everything is fine. Triggers the timing light.

I think what I'll have to do is disconnect the throttle linkage at the motor and put the throttle full forward back at the motor. Leave the helm control in neutral and find a helper to turn the key while I use the timing light. See any problems with that approach?

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Temporarily bypassing the neutral safety switch?

Sounds good to me.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Temporarily bypassing the neutral safety switch?

Thanks. If I ever find the answer to this I'll let you know. I'm betting there's a clue buried in the manual somewhere. I'll run across it at some point.

It's sure a head-scratcher