Do I need an engine cutoff switch for shifting?

[alldodge]

Thanks for the diagram AllDodge! Extremely helpful, I found all the wires, but apparently I'm missing the connector going out of the distributor to the 2 WHT jumper wires and the 1 wire to the shift cutout switch, any idea where I can get a connector of this type?

Sierra makes one # 18-5517
Or search Delco EST timing shunt
Or Marine power 9159

I tried both ways to search iboats and came up empty

The timing shunt will have the 2 white wires connected together. Once motor is timed, just cut the wire wires in the middle. This way if you need to recheck the timing, just reconnect

Either that or get one with just the one wire and also the timing shunt with 3 wires

 

[CLi87]

Thanks guys! I just ordered this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Timing-Distr...=Delco+EST+timing+shunt&qid=1584906446&sr=8-1

Also, do I need to re-time the motor or can I just connect the wires to the shift cutoff switch? I don't see what would be the point in resetting the base timing if the engine runs fine? I ask mainly because my harmonic balancer has a bunch of surface rust and I can't see the timing marks at all, I've tried sanding and cleaning the rust off but no dice.

 

[alldodge]

Its your call, if it runs ok to you then you can probably pass on checking, but is always a good idea