1989 OMC 2.3 L Engine Stalls when shifting into gear

[DKSTOUT]

I have a 1990 Four Winns Freedom 170 with a 2.3 L OMC (Ford Motor). It was under cover and not used for a few years. Last year we prepped it for use and had several issues from it sitting. All of those issue were fix, except for one. It has a new belt, water pump impeller, rebuilt carburetor, new cap, points and coil, and plugs. The engine compression is fine. On the trailer, with the hose supplying water to the out-drive, the engine starts and runs fine. My 2.3 was never the smoothest running engine at ideal. When I shift into gear, the engine runs very rough then stalls. This happens when shifting in to forward or reverse. If I disconnect the ESA unit, the engine doesn't stall when shifting. It just replaced the ESA unit and I still have the same problem.

 

[Scott Danforth]

replace your lower shift cable, then re-adjust the ESA

 

[DKSTOUT]

Will you were responding, I did another test. I took apart the cam lever that rotates and activates the interrupter switch. It was sticking a little. 27 year old grease will do that. I cleaned and lubricated it, and tighten the spring wire. It worked for a moment then the problem came back. It appears that when shifting into gear, what ever is putting tension on this cam lever is not releasing after it is placed in gear, keeping the interrupter switch engaged.