Re: 1999 175 fast strike dies when shifting from fwd to reverse
Yes, that's what the shift switch is called. It's purpose, when shifting out of gear, is to knock out the ignition on the starboard bank momentarily to enable the shifter dog to disengage from whatever gear it might be in. So short an interruption that normally it is never noticed.
To test to see if it is that switch which is causing the problem, simply follow the black/yellow wire from that switch back to its connector and disconnect it. If that cures the problem, either the switch is defective or (and most likely) there is a salt corrosion or tightness of some kind at the nylon bushings that the engine's shift linkage goes thru (just the other side of that switch), causing a binding of the linkage.
If no change in the problem..... first, check compression (what are the readings?), then check the spark (with all spark plugs removed) which should jump a 7/16" gap with a strong blue lightning like flame. Does it?
Do all the spark plugs look the same?