OMC 3.0 ignition interruptor problem

gcasper

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Jun 10, 2001
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Hello - I have a 1988 Bayliner with the 3.0 OMC engine. My problem is that it's really tough to shift from foward into neutral. I'm told this is because the ignition interrupt ins't working properly. I tested and found that it's NOT working. So I replace the switch. Still not working. So I replaced the module. STILL NOT WORKING !! My mechanic's last piece of advice was "try disconnecting the tach" ?? What the heck does that have to do with it? Any ideas how I can troubleshoot this problem and find out what needs to be replaced?<br /><br />Thanks in advance !!<br /><br />Greg
 

12Footer

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Mar 25, 2001
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8,217
Re: OMC 3.0 ignition interruptor problem

Hi,Greg.<br />Beats me what the tach has to do with it.<br />It's more than likely a linkage adjustment.<br />Is it physicly hard to move the control?<br />Or are you refering to starting the engine?<br />When you are idling in forward,approaching the dock,and put it in nuetral,does it do shift out of gear properly?
 

gcasper

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Jun 10, 2001
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Re: OMC 3.0 ignition interruptor problem

It's NOT a linkage problem. When the engine is off, shifting works flawlessly at the engine. I get into forward and reverse without problem. This only happens when the engine is running. The throttle is physically difficult to pull into neutral from forward idle. Again, this is only when the engine is runnning. If I shut down the engine as I approach the dock, the throttle slides effortlessly into neutral.<br /><br />Any ideas?<br /><br />thanks again
 

Dhadley

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Feb 4, 2001
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16,978
Re: OMC 3.0 ignition interruptor problem

Some of those were kinda fussy about adjustments. There is a proceedure to adjust it. The other thing is to make sure your idle is set properly. If the motor is idling too high, it will be very hard, if not darn near impossible, to get out of gear. <br /><br />You didn't mention coming out of reverse. If it comes out of reverse ok then the idle and the reverse adjustment is probably ok. Check the shift interrupter switch adjustment coming out of forward.<br /><br />Good luck!
 

gcasper

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Jun 10, 2001
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Re: OMC 3.0 ignition interruptor problem

Adjustment seems to be OK. According to the troubleshooting procedure in the manual, I have operated the switch by hand, and should see a noticeable drop in my RPM's, but I don't. It does nothing. That SHOULD indicate a bad switch or module, but both have been replaced and I still get the same result. It's VERY confusing. I'm trying to avoid the $80/hr a mechanic is going to charge me for doing what I've already done and still not having an answer. Any and all help is appreciated.
 

gcasper

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Jun 10, 2001
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Re: OMC 3.0 ignition interruptor problem

Idle was below 1500 during testing. I'll have to check on the ground issue. Thanks for the advice. Oh, the reference you listed isn't there anymore, but thanks for the thought. This just seems to be a bugger of a problem to sort out.<br /><br />Greg
 

gcasper

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Jun 10, 2001
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Re: OMC 3.0 ignition interruptor problem

In answer to several others, this does NOT seem to be a problem when shifting from reverse idle into neutral... at least no where near as much effort is required. I'm concerned that I might be doing damage to my gears. Is this a possibility? Anyone have any troubleshooting suggestions?<br /><br />Thanks again<br /><br />Greg
 

gcasper

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Jun 10, 2001
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Re: OMC 3.0 ignition interruptor problem

The ground seems to check out ok. I checked the switch with a meter and found I had continuity in one position and none in the other, so the switch seems to be ok. Anyone have ANY other ideas?
 

pinkmouse

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Feb 8, 2001
Messages
37
Re: OMC 3.0 ignition interruptor problem

did you check both switches seperately? interupt switch has the lever and roller,the overstroke has a pin sticking out.i have seen this switch stick closed,which will cause the interrupt switch not to work
 

gcasper

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Jun 10, 2001
Messages
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Re: OMC 3.0 ignition interruptor problem

It seems to me that I did, but I'm not sure. The overstroke switch is the simple pushbutton switch, right? I'll have to check it again, once I find my KEYS !!!<br /><br />Thanks
 

gcasper

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Jun 10, 2001
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Re: OMC 3.0 ignition interruptor problem

I'm getting no result when I press the pin on the overstroke switch either. Should pushing that pin in also slow the idle or is there a different troubleshooting protocol for that?<br /><br />Greg
 

ODDD1

Lieutenant Junior Grade
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Jan 23, 2001
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1,054
Re: OMC 3.0 ignition interruptor problem

Casper, if yer payin $80 an hour an NOT gettin answers ya better fing a different tech......
 

Coork Johnson

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Feb 20, 2001
Messages
33
Re: OMC 3.0 ignition interruptor problem

What is the procedure to adjust the linkage, I can get my system to reverse or go into forward but not both. Over the last few weeks the shifting came more dificult. Pulled cable off and appears to be oK.<br /><br /><br />Some of those were kinda fussy about adjustments. There is a proceedure to adjust it. The other thing is to make sure your idle is set properly. If the motor is idling too high, it will be very hard, if not darn near impossible, to get out of gear.
 

seahorse5

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jan 24, 2002
Messages
4,698
Re: OMC 3.0 ignition interruptor problem

The replacement shift assist modules do not use the over-stroke switch and they are taken out of the circuit. <br /><br />If you trigger the shift switch with the motor idling (below 1200), it should run rough and slow down. If not, use a meter on the switch at the module connection. Make sure the module is getting 12V thru the purple wire and that the ground is securely fastened with a toothed lockwasher. Check continuity from the gray wire to the coil neg. side. If all checks out, the module is bad. If you bought it from an authorized dealer, it has a one year parts and labor warranty.
 
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