Boat will run perfect in neutral and will rev up in neutral but will die instantly

timmy262003

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Jun 18, 2025
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I have a 1998 caravel with a Volvo penta 4.3 it runs great will start every time it will rev up in neutral but as soon as you put it in drive it will die put it back into neutral it will start right back up any help will be greatly appreciated
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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@Grub54891 volvo penta does not use a shift interupt switch, they have a cone clutch

@timmy262003 your motor will rev to 5000 RPM in neutral running on 2 cylinders being fed by a drop of fuel.

however under load you need all 6 cylinders being fed a lot of fuel.

what is the story behind your 28 year old boat. is this new to you , or a boat you had for a long time with a new problem.
 

muc

"Retired" Association of Marine Technicians...
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Could be many things, first things first. Is this happening in the lake or on the trailer on the flusher?
 

timmy262003

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@Grub54891 volvo penta does not use a shift interupt switch, they have a cone clutch

@timmy262003 your motor will rev to 5000 RPM in neutral running on 2 cylinders being fed by a drop of fuel.

however under load you need all 6 cylinders being fed a lot of fuel.

what is the story behind your 28 year old boat. is this new to you , or a boat you had for a long time with a new prob. The motor is pretty much new just been used four times I think it is the switch because it doesn't act right and it doesn't want to go into run mode from the switch it stays in start that's why it stalls when I put it into gear my best guess order the new switch will be here in a couple days
 

timmy262003

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Jun 18, 2025
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The boat motor is pretty much new it's only been used four times since it's been put in I'm thinking it's the ignition switch because it starts by barely turning it or I then I have to turn it hard Don't think it goes into run mode on the three switches I think it's stuck on run order the new one will be here in a couple days hopefully that's it fixed it.
 

muc

"Retired" Association of Marine Technicians...
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It's both just think it's the ignition switch hopefully have a new one coming hopefully fixed by this weekend
I hope the ignition switch fixes it -- cheap and easy repair. And from your description of it, due for replacement anyways.
But, a bad ignition switch doesn't fit with the symptoms you have described. Based on the engine dyeing only when you shift into gear. If this is happening out of the water with no load on the prop. I would look at the wiring for the emergency tether if it's part of the throttle/shift control. Or you might have something wrong in the drive. Or maybe the shift cable is rubbing on the wires.
 
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