Think my ESA died on my OMC 800

[Manipulator]

When I go and press my micro switch to engage my ESA, nothing happens. Boat is almost 25 years old (1983 OMC 800 mechanical shift). I wonder if the ESA finally died?? I don't have no problem going in or out of gear. What are your thoughts on just driving it, leaving it alone? I keep my idle low at around 500-600rpm. Is that a bad idea.

If I do replace, isn't there a newer ESA that eliminates the forward and reverse micro switches?

 

[wire2]

Re: Think my ESA died on my OMC 800

Of the 2 micro switches on the shift converter cover, one is neutral start, the other is ESA. Make sure it's plugged in, then, if it doesn't make the engine stumble, it isn't working. I've been running with mine in the glove box for several seasons on my '84 5.7, my idle is 450-500.
If you can shift in & out of gear ok, it's not necessary.

 

[Manipulator]

Re: Think my ESA died on my OMC 800

I checked shift function, it functions fine. Shifts in and out of gear no problem even though the ESA is not kicking in. So screw it don't really need it?? I heard they make a new one that has a 5 sec stumble mode (no need for over strokes). what do you think of that. Hey btw are you the one selling those trim seal kits on eBay? I could have used those a while back. Got screwed at doug russell.com

 

[KaGee]

Re: Think my ESA died on my OMC 800

If your ESA is shot, CDI/RAPAIR has a replacement.

The bottom switch is the interrupt swith, the two up top are the overstroke switches. The neutral switch is located up in the throttle.

 

[wire2]

Re: Think my ESA died on my OMC 800

Thanks, KaGee, I stand corrected.

I did have some 800 parts on eBay but not seal kits.
Yes, if it comes out of gear easily, forget the ESA. I did.

 

[skeat]

Re: Think my ESA died on my OMC 800

The 5-7 second cutoff is only if the interrupter switch is malfunctioning. Once you shift, the switch arm should be centered in the v-notch to disable the interrupter. If is isn't that's when the 5-7 second timer kicks in, which by the way can seem like an eternity if you are trying to pop up a wakeboarder or dock.

 

[Manipulator]

Re: Think my ESA died on my OMC 800

With this new type of ESA I wonder if the timer can be adjusted to maybe 3 seconds. I am familiar with the system and how it works. I guess I will have to do some playing around with my voltage/ohm meter. When I did put all this back together, I pushed the switch in where it rides in the v-notch and it kicked in, I then hit the over stroke and it shut off. Ran the boat all summer with no problems. I tested it again before winterising last week. This time the interupt switch did nothing. No stumble, nothing. I will check the connections and test the switches and see if they are working.

Would the neutral safety switch case any problems with the esa? I have an intermedant problem with mine. I took the throttle apart last year as there were times I was in a cove and it would not start. Starter would not engage, nothing would happen with a turn of the key. I found nothing wrong with it and when I put it all back together it seemed to work fine. It worked fine most of the summer but started to act up again the last week at the lake. I found that if I pull the lever out to neutral and turn the key, again nothing. But if you slowly move the throttle forward it kicks in.

 

[wire2]

Re: Think my ESA died on my OMC 800

Would the neutral safety switch cause any problems with the esa?
No.
I have an intermittent problem with mine. .....I found that if I pull the lever out to neutral and turn the key, again nothing. But if you slowly move the throttle forward it kicks in.

The neutral switch in the throttle lever is out of adjustment.

 

[Manipulator]

Re: Think my ESA died on my OMC 800

How do you adjust it? I have not seen anything on this and being adjusted.