1997 Reinell 180 w/Volvo Penta 4.3GL PLKD purchased new
I have an intermittent starting problem that has gotten progressively worse through the years.
Sometimes when I turn the ignition key, there is no reaction. No start, no click....just silence. At first, I could move the shift lever back and forth a couple of times and it would start. Lately, this action hasn't been 100% successful and I have had to "tap" the starter with a wrench to get it to start. However, tapping the starter doesn't work all the time, so I am thinking that it is just coincidence that it starts after a tap because I am moving the shift lever again before I turn the key.
Based on the threads I've read on this subject, if I don't hear a "click" when turning the key it is more than likely the neutral safety switch located in the shift lever that is causing the no-start situation.
My boat is currently 200 miles away so I can't look at it or bypass the switch to test this theory. Without seeing the unit, I am hoping someone with the same boat or experience can help me.
My questions are...
1) If it is a bad switch inside the throttle assembly, can it be replaced separately or would it be integrated into the throttle and need to be replaced as an entire unit?
2) What are the cheapest sources to purchase an OEM switch or shifter unit and does anyone know the part numbers used in my boat?
3) How irresponsible would it be if I bypassed the switch for several outings to see if the problem goes away? (I am the only operator)
Thanks in advance.
I have an intermittent starting problem that has gotten progressively worse through the years.
Sometimes when I turn the ignition key, there is no reaction. No start, no click....just silence. At first, I could move the shift lever back and forth a couple of times and it would start. Lately, this action hasn't been 100% successful and I have had to "tap" the starter with a wrench to get it to start. However, tapping the starter doesn't work all the time, so I am thinking that it is just coincidence that it starts after a tap because I am moving the shift lever again before I turn the key.
Based on the threads I've read on this subject, if I don't hear a "click" when turning the key it is more than likely the neutral safety switch located in the shift lever that is causing the no-start situation.
My boat is currently 200 miles away so I can't look at it or bypass the switch to test this theory. Without seeing the unit, I am hoping someone with the same boat or experience can help me.
My questions are...
1) If it is a bad switch inside the throttle assembly, can it be replaced separately or would it be integrated into the throttle and need to be replaced as an entire unit?
2) What are the cheapest sources to purchase an OEM switch or shifter unit and does anyone know the part numbers used in my boat?
3) How irresponsible would it be if I bypassed the switch for several outings to see if the problem goes away? (I am the only operator)
Thanks in advance.