Cutout switch kills engine

[carpenterken]

First, I did read the FAQ about the cut out switch.
I have a 1978 Tiara 2000 with a 198 Mercruiser (GM 305)
The engine has a Holly fuel injection system on it, so she idles high (around 800 rpm)
Both when the engine is warm and cold (more when cold) the cutout switch will stall the engine both when coming out of forward and reverse. Quit often when restarting I need to move the throttle back and forth to get her to re fire. The boat has new shift cables on her.
Last year I adjusted the cable a bit to try and stop this, but I went from bad to worse. Is the cut out switch bad, or dose it need better adjustment?

 

[Don S]

Re: Cutout switch kills engine

Is the switch staying engaged when you shift? The switch is only supposed to be activated for a fraction of a second for the drive to disengage. If something is binding and holding it engaged too long, that isn't the switches fault. You are going to have to watch it and see what is happening. I suppose it's possible the switch could not be releasing internally, but I have never seen it happen before.

Another possibility is the Holley fuel injection, it may be that during the shift interrupt the power is dropped from the ECM and will not come back without restarting. I have no knowledge of that system, but you may want to check with Holley.