Switch problem?

[Boatbudd]

Had the ole girl out five times and she quit on me twice -- engine ran but would stall when I pushed the handle forward.
Some one said it was the kill switch. How does it work and how can I check it?? ps seems to happen after the engine is warm and setting for a while

 

[Volphin]

Re: Switch problem?

Welcome Boatbudd. What are we working on? Please reference this sticky:
http://forums.iboats.com/mercruiser-i-o-inboard-engines-outdrives/how-ask-question-220416.html

 

[Boatbudd]

Re: Switch problem?

1978 Century Engine:MCM 140 Serial 5157913

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: Switch problem?

Possibly the Lower shift cable.......When was the last time it was changed out?

 

[achris]

Re: Switch problem?

The shift interrupt switch is a very much misunderstood system... Most of the time the symptom you describe it caused by a bad lower shift cable...

Have a read of this. It explains how the system works. Once you know that, tell us if the symptoms fit, and we can guide you through replacing the cable....

http://forums.iboats.com/mercruiser...nterrupt-system-works-288089.html#post1930449

Chris.....

 

[Boatbudd]

Re: Switch problem?

Seems right. Is there a way to tell whats happening with the lower cable or should it just be replaced as a matter of principle (it's OLD)?
If I can get my wife to operate the boat what do I look for? Why is it intermitant?
How difficult to do and how expensive is the part?

 

[Boatbudd]

Re: Switch problem?

Don't know how old it is but at least 8 years.

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: Switch problem?

You may be able to adjust it...But 8 yrs is along time and the cable is proly stretched/corroded to far for any adjustment.

Its not a big job...but takes alittle time and Patience and helper (Wife) to get it right... It can be done by the novice boater.

Do some reading.... In the adult only sections and Sterndrives.com has alot of info.

Good luck!

 

[ewpvic]

Re: Switch problem?

I found a good video tutorial for cable adjustment on a 5.7 on youtube. Shouldn't be too different. Since I am a FNG, I won't step in and post the link. Do a search for Mercruiser shift cable adjustment. 2 part video.

 

[achris]

Re: Switch problem?

Don't know how old it is but at least 8 years.

8 years is not a long time. With the system all set up properly and the switch working my old 4.3LX (now 19 years old, and in a friends' boat) is still on its original cable, and unis and gimbal bearing....

People have this thing about lower shift cable being a 'routine maintenance' replacement, like unis and the gimbal bearing. They are not... You replace them when they need replacing, not at 'x' years.....

Chris......

 

[achris]

Re: Switch problem?

I found a good video tutorial for cable adjustment on a 5.7 on youtube. Shouldn't be too different. Since I am a FNG, I won't step in and post the link. Do a search for Mercruiser shift cable adjustment. 2 part video.

Why not use the one on this site?

Shift cable adjustment

Chris.....

 

[Boatbudd]

Re: Switch problem?

Hey Can this be done with the boat in the water? Also, what should I look for in the inspection of the cable for age related problems?
Is the video on the Alpha drive basicly the same as mine?
Appreciate all the help!!

 

[achris]

Re: Switch problem?

Hey Can this be done with the boat in the water? Also, what should I look for in the inspection of the cable for age related problems?
Is the video on the Alpha drive basicly the same as mine?
Appreciate all the help!!

If you have someone in the water to turn the prop the right way, then yes, it can be done in the water...

The video is the same for your MC-1 drive, yes......

Look for damage/cracked/broken outer cover on the cable, and look for stiffness as you move the cable. As long as those pass muster, and the 'slack' measurement is within spec, you're good to go.

 

[Boatbudd]

Re: Switch problem?

Carefully watched and noted the video and went to the boat. The first cable appeared to be similar to the alpha drive but not the remote cable. I checked the play and it was about 1/4". Checked the adjustment at 6" It was correct. Put it back together and it was fine. Ran it 15 min and put it away. Then checked it again 2 hours later. All OK, except for my confidence level (it has been fine most of the time I have taken it out.
By the way the cable looked and felt fine.