Re: what is the real name
Before you go buying parts, look at the shift linkage right under the neutral interlock switch. There should be a metal tab that depresses the white button when in neutral. Because of the cable arrangement, it is quite common for these engines to be in neutral at the lower unit and the linkage will be off enough to not depress the button. The cure for this is to simply cycle the control handle from forward to reverse and back to neutral. With a really fussy engine you may need to do it a couple of times. If this is the case, watch it with the hood off and you will get a feel for proper position.
RE-connect the wires to the switch and depress the white button by hand. If the engine cramks, the switch is good, or if you use an ohm meter, zero ohms indicates a good switch--infinite ohms is bad.