OMC 4.3L interrupter mechanism not working

[ddnewb]

This kind of segues from a previous post I had with reverse on my boat. Previously the issue was that the interrupter switch was being engaged while the controls were in reverse. I took both cables off and did all the adjustments per the OMC Service Manual.

Now what I find is that the cams for the switch don't move at all and the gears grind if I put it in gear - no good.

It seems that the switch is in essence a load sensor. The problem is that when I'm shifting, there is no apparent load to move the cams. The outer sleeve movement isn't enough to over power the springs.

I'm at a loss. Is this something I can fix by an adjustment? Or is it so worn that it goes into gear too easy?

Thanks,

Dan

 

[bruceb58]

Re: OMC 4.3L interrupter mechanism not working

It is normal to hear a clunk when putting into gear.

The only time the ESA should operate is when going OUT of gear. This won't happen if you are on muffs...only while in the water when there is a load.

 

[ddnewb]

Re: OMC 4.3L interrupter mechanism not working

It is normal to hear a clunk when putting into gear.

The only time the ESA should operate is when going OUT of gear. This won't happen if you are on muffs...only while in the water when there is a load.

This is more than a clunk, I can literally hear the gears grinding together as if trying to put a stick shift in gear without disengaging the clutch. It's just an awful sound.

Are you saying this is normal? I can't imagine this would create normal wear, and I've heard about problems with this engine busting gears because of how it shifts.

 

[ddnewb]

Re: OMC 4.3L interrupter mechanism not working

Bruce,

Thanks to you mentioning that it's only to assist getting back into neutral, it opened up possibilities of what I should be looking for. I found it's not the engine, but likely how I'm driving it. My shifts into gear should be much brisker to minimize grinding. Apparently it can take it.

I'm just going to take it onto the water and see how it acts.

Thanks for your help.

Dan

 

[PaJon]

Re: OMC 4.3L interrupter mechanism not working

Shift it quickly into gear. If you shift slowly it will grind.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: OMC 4.3L interrupter mechanism not working

My shifts into gear should be much brisker to minimize grinding. Apparently it can take it.

What you are hearing are the dog clutch gears trying to catch. You want a swift motion into gear.