Volvo starting problem, sometimes.

[vstol]

Hello All,<br /><br />I have a 1992 431A Volvo Penta 290DP in a 92 stingray runabout. I believe I have taken the neutral center switch out of adjustment when I was looking for a fuse in the throttle control for something unrelated with the trim. Anyways sometimes I don’t have to mess with the throttle at all and sometime I have to move it around for a couple of minutes while holding the key to start before the motor will start to turn over. My Question: is this center switch on the throttle lever upfront or back on the engine somewhere? My book says it is in the remote control which I assume is what I am calling the throttle control. Does my problem sound like this switch; I have already replaced the relay that I thought might be causing the problem, battery and wiring looks tight with no corrosion. I had seen a similar problem on a friend’s mercruiser which turned out to be neutral switch on the engine.

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo starting problem, sometimes.

Yes, your neutral safety switch is in the remote control (Throttle control).<br />You should have 2 yellow/w red stripe wires going to the switch.<br />You could try disconnecting the switch and hooking the 2 wires together to make sure the engine will start, just be careful cause the engine will start in gear with the switch bypassed.<br /><br />Not sure what your friend had either,I don't know of any Mercruisers with the neutral safety switch on the engine either. They are always on the remote control.

 

[vstol]

Re: Volvo starting problem, sometimes.

Thanks for the quick reply Don S. I do hear the clicking of relays and the cable moving the gear select linkage when I move the throttle past nuetral, is it possible that the neutral switch is out of rig or does it work with the gear select in that if the outdrive is in neutral the switch is in neutral or center?

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo starting problem, sometimes.

Anything is possible.<br />When the boat is in gear the switch is OPEN, and will not allow power to the relay.

 

[vstol]

Re: Volvo starting problem, sometimes.

Is there some alignment marks that you know of that I should look for to check the rigging?<br /><br />Also if it does not turn out to be the switch what else do you think it could be, anychance of it being in the linkage? I know the possibility of faulty relays or bad wire but aside from that any othe safeties or switches in the system?

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo starting problem, sometimes.

You're just going to have to take it apart and look at it. There are thousands of different remotes boat manufactures used. Without a picture of what you have, it's impossible to give any kind of exact details.

 

[vstol]

Re: Volvo starting problem, sometimes.

Ok, thanks for the help. I will start with the yellow wires and see if it starts regardless of were i am at in the nuetral range. <br /><br />I will also take some pics if I continue to have problems.<br /><br />Again thanks for the help and I will let you know what I find.