Shift Assist not working...

[bullsnot]

I had a suspicion that my shift assist wasn't working so I did the shift cable adjustment. Still difficult to take out of gear but I know the shift cable adjustment is spot on. Next I put the boat in high idle (1100 RPM) and manually flipped the spring on the shift interupt switch, no change to the way the engine was running. Should've dropped to about 500 RPM. Is it likely the switch itself or the shift assist module? Any way to test? Are there any aftermarket goodies to just make the whole thing better or cheaper replacement?

Thanks in advance for the replies.

1988 Bayliner 2455 5.7L OMC Cobra

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

short the 2 switch wires together -if the engine then stumbles, the switch is the problem.
(the switch basically just shorts the wires)

if no change when you short the wires, the module or wiring is the issue.

Do you still have the original points ignition?

 

[LAC_STS]

You shouldnt have to raise the idle RPM to be able to tell if the engine is being stumbled by the interrupter system. When you press that interrupter switch its pretty obvious.

Make sure the over stroke switch is not depressed. If it is then it will not let the interrupter switch stumble the engine.

The buttons on the overstroke switch can get messed up and stick in sometimes.

You can hook a meter up to both switches and test them too. Its covered in the OEM manual. I forget exactly but you ohm test it and one way it will show 0 and when you press the switch it will show infinity or the other way around. You test it by sticking the probes in the pin holes in the plug that goes to both switches.

 

[bruceb58]

My first question is do you have a points style distributor still?

EDIT: I see Howard already asked that question.

 

[bullsnot]

I can't believe I fell asleep on my own thread. Thanks for the previous replies. If anyone is still listening it still has the original points system but I'd be willing to upgrade if there was a fix. I'll try the manual diagnostics and touching the wires and report back. I also see it wont work over 800 rpm if I remember correctly.

 

[bruceb58]

The reason we asked the question about the points is that if it was changed to an electronic module, the ESA won't work.

Make sure you inspect the ground wire coming off the ESA and that it's connection is not corroded.