engine shutdown

O

oldbouy

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Jan 2, 2024
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i have a 1991 Bayliner 2655 sunbridge mercruiser 5.0 . I have been having a problem
with the shift interrupter switch turn the engine off when I shift from natural to forward or reverse . I updated the switch to the modern one , also updated the ingnition system to electronic replacing the distributor and coil , also removed the ignition amplifier component . this system works perfect on dry land using dog ears for water cooling . when I launch the boat in the water , starts great , if I shift into forward or reverse the engine dies , the engine will not start , no spark to the engine . when I get back home , it works great ???? what is happening ?
 
Kola16

Kola16

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Jun 23, 2019
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Where is your shift interrupter plate mounted? Can you see it when you shift with the engine cover off? It sounds like you need to take the actuator part with the springs off and clean and lightly grease the stud that it pivots on. You can also bend those springs out slightly to give it a stronger spring load so it pushes the actuator back in place. It sounds like your interrupter switch is getting depressed and then getting stuck in that position.

Also, when you switched interrupters, have you adjusted your shifting cabes correctly?
 
alldodge

alldodge

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oldbouy said:
i have a 1991 Bayliner 2655 sunbridge mercruiser 5.0 . I have been having a problem
with the shift interrupter switch turn the engine off when I shift from natural to forward or reverse . I updated the switch to the modern one , also updated the ingnition system to electronic replacing the distributor and coil , also removed the ignition amplifier component . this system works perfect on dry land using dog ears for water cooling . when I launch the boat in the water , starts great , if I shift into forward or reverse the engine dies , the engine will not start , no spark to the engine . when I get back home , it works great ???? what is happening ?
Click to expand...
What is the motors serial number?
What ignition system is installed?
 
O

oldbouy

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Jan 2, 2024
Messages
37
Kola16 said:
Where is your shift interrupter plate mounted? Can you see it when you shift with the engine cover off? It sounds like you need to take the actuator part with the springs off and clean and lightly grease the stud that it pivots on. You can also bend those springs out slightly to give it a stronger spring load so it pushes the actuator back in place. It sounds like your interrupter switch is getting depressed and then getting stuck in that position.

Also, when you switched interrupters, have you adjusted your shifting cabes correctly?
Click to expand...
thank you for your reply , I greased the pivot bolt , I have adjusted the cables , and readjusted the cables numerous times . I will try and widen the springs . with the switch in the proper position , what is in the system that would still cause the engine no to start?
 
Kola16

Kola16

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Messages
200
oldbouy said:
thank you for your reply , I greased the pivot bolt , I have adjusted the cables , and readjusted the cables numerous times . I will try and widen the springs . with the switch in the proper position , what is in the system that would still cause the engine no to start?
Click to expand...
The first thing I would do is take the shift interrupter switch, or the actuator off the plate, then try to start it to see if you have spark. Sometimes if those interrupt switches are pressed just a little bit, they won't allow you to start the engine.

The next thing I would check is what Scott is referring too. Take your lower shift cable off the plate and see if it moves freely and easily.

Other no spark situations could be a bad ground, a blown ignition fuse, a bad key switch, bad wiring harness connection, bad coil, shorted tach. I am sure that is not all, but that would be a start.
 
alldodge

alldodge

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oldbouy said:
hello alldodge . I replaced the ignition distributor with a A-Team HEI . where would I find the engine serial number ?
Click to expand...
That distributor is not designed to be able to create a miss to unload the prop, the shift interruptor turns the dizzy OFF
 
Scott06

Scott06

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oldbouy said:
i have a 1991 Bayliner 2655 sunbridge mercruiser 5.0 . I have been having a problem
with the shift interrupter switch turn the engine off when I shift from natural to forward or reverse . I updated the switch to the modern one , also updated the ingnition system to electronic replacing the distributor and coil , also removed the ignition amplifier component . this system works perfect on dry land using dog ears for water cooling . when I launch the boat in the water , starts great , if I shift into forward or reverse the engine dies , the engine will not start , no spark to the engine . when I get back home , it works great ???? what is happening ?
Click to expand...
sounds like the lower shift cable is worn , the shift interrupt should never trigger going into gear , only when coming out.

On dry land there is no load on the propeller (vs in the water) so it will nto trip the switch.

Take the lower shift cable off the shift plate - you should be ale to shift it into and out of gear easily and smoothly with two fingers. if not pull the out drive and look for any worn or corroded or otherwise hung up parts of the shift linkage/swivel shaft, and cable drag
 
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