OMC kill switch?? Turn the key and nothing happens....

[Manipulator]

First off I have a Sea Ray 1983, OMC 800 drive with the 5.7 chevy engine. About 3 to 4 times a season I will try to start it and when I turn the key there is nothing. I mean nothing, no cranking or anything. Then if slid the shift back to the neutral position and then release it again to start, it will crank. Sometimes I have to do this a few times. Last time I was in a cove and I went to start it, and again nothing. I did the usual procedure of playing around with the shift and again nothing. I started to freak as nothing was working for it to start. After about 5 min I tried it again and it started. I have an OMC shifter, is there some type of kill switch built into the shifter? I have to believe it has something to do with a safety switch not working properly somewhere. Any ideas?

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: OMC kill switch?? Turn the key and nothing happens....

Shifters have what's called a "neutral safety switch" which prevents you from starting the engine in gear. You should see the wires going to the shifter - check the connections to make sure the are clean and tight and be sure you are thrying to start the boat only in neutral.

 

[Manipulator]

Re: OMC kill switch?? Turn the key and nothing happens....

Is there a switch inside the shifter assembly that might be going bad? Yes, attemping to start engine in neutral. I guess this switch is to prevent you from starting in gear. I need to find a manual or something to give me an idea of whats inside the shifter assembly.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: OMC kill switch?? Turn the key and nothing happens....

Manipulator,<br /> If your 83 is like my 92 yes. Had the same issue. There is a lever actuated switch built into the shifter mech. mine had a small spot of rust on the arm at the pivot point, causing as intermittent sticking problem. I removed the rust and all has been well since. FYI I also added a plug to the wiring harness so if the problem arose again I could quickly by-pass the safety switch and start the engine. Good luck.