Interrupt switch

[pete44]

Hello...have a 87 Sea ray with an Alpha1 drive...was metering my interrupt switch and it stayed closed (shorted) when depressed or not depressed..Are they not supoosed to open when the switch is engaged?...What got this started is that my engine dies when I try to go into reverse...Thanks,Pete

 

[Don S]

Re: Interrupt switch

I think you are checking your switch wrong. If it was always closed, you couldn't get the engine runniing at all.

Your problem is not the switch, the most likely problem is you need a new shift cable. It's binding when going into reverse and causes the switch to activate.
Very common problem.

 

[thrasher]

Re: Interrupt switch

I agree with Don, that it's probably the shift cable. But how are you checking the switch? You must disconnect the wires on the switch (so the switch is completely isolated) before checking the contacts with a multimeter. If you have the wires connected you will get a low resistance measurement on the switch, regardless of if it's working or not..

Gary

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Interrupt switch

HUH?......
Either there is continuity or not......
With the roller in the center of the detent, there should be no continuity at all.....
Deflect it to 1/8" & there should be continuity.....
That is what grounds the ign. system.....
I agree with Don's diagnosis......​

 

[pete44]

Re: Interrupt switch

HUH?......
Either there is continuity or not......
With the roller in the center of the detent, there should be no continuity at all.....
Deflect it to 1/8" & there should be continuity.....
That is what grounds the ign. system.....
I agree with Don's diagnosis......​

Appreciate the advise...When I checked it I placed my digital multimeter on 2 screws on top of it..it read 000 or short..the meter then would have read some low resistance.(with the roller/cog in center position)..when I placed my remote control out of gear to reverse gear..the cog/roller moved to the left engaging the switch button..(still read short)..When I ran boat on Sunday it would go into reverse but engine would die...forward gear worked and I ran it in that for a few minutes..I cranked the boat sucessfully yesterday in "neutral" throttle only position on control..So what is going on here?......Thanks again,Pete

 

[Coors]

Re: Interrupt switch

Look at the switch when someone else puts it in reverse, in the water. If it is hanging up, it is the shift cable to the lower needs adjusting, or probably replacing.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Interrupt switch

With the roller in the center of the detent, the reading should be '1' or open...= no continuity........
With the switch deflected , the reading should be close to '0' .....= continuity.......
The fact that the engine dies when you shift says that the switch works.....
You need to replace the lower shift cable......
This link below has the info you need.....
Courtesy of Don S.......
http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf​

 

[pete44]

Re: Interrupt switch

With the roller in the center of the detent, the reading should be '1' or open...= no continuity........
With the switch deflected , the reading should be close to '0' .....= continuity.......
The fact that the engine dies when you shift says that the switch works.....
You need to replace the lower shift cable......
This link below has the info you need.....
Courtesy of Don S.......
http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf​

thanks for all the replies...my main point is that with the roller in center the switch still reads short...my digital multimeter will beep if shorted not beep at a low resistance reading...I will look into changing out the lower shift cable after I disconnect the switch from motor altogether and check it again...How much does a lower shift cable run you these days?..I have a Sea Ray Seville 17 foot bowrider with a 3.0Liter GM inline-4 130 HP/181cu in....Thanks,Pete

 

[Don S]

Re: Interrupt switch

You have to disconnect the wires going to the switch before you test it.

 

[pete44]

Re: Interrupt switch

Thanks Don that is what I am going to try.......I found this link for a shift cable "kit" for Alpha1..I will try oiling/lubing cable first before $85...I have already spent $65 between a thermostat and pump/empeller...here is link...you may find a place cheaper...Pete

http://www.outdriveshop.com/shiftcablekits.html

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Interrupt switch

I'd look on ebay.......
I've seen those kits go for $50........
Forget oiling it, it won't work, except on a very temporary basis, if at all....​

 

[pete44]

Re: Interrupt switch

I'd look on ebay.......
I've seen those kits go for $50........
Forget oiling it, it won't work, except on a very temporary basis, if at all....​

Thanks...I found this link on ebay..for $45...BUT....not OEM....

http://motors.search.ebay.com/marine-shift-cable_W0QQfromZR8QQsamcmZ6000QQsaspiZ2

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Interrupt switch

I'm sure it will work just fine......​