Unknown boat part

[GerardK]

I have an old Gale Sovereign 60 HP, which I think was made by Johnson or Evinrude (I think). I am attaching a few pictures of a part near the motor and I have no idea what it is or what it does. There is a wire coming from it but it is not hooked to anything. If anyone knows what it is, does, or if it's really important, please let me know. By the way it is the red part that says CHERRY on the top.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Unknown boat part

I believe it's the neutral safety switch. Adjustment is on page ten of this link. Grab it quick if you see the file. OUTBOARD MARINE CORPORATION - EVINRUDE, GALE & JOHNSON 4 CYLINDER 50 TO 85 ...: Small Engine Repair Reference Center Home

 

[NCmiller]

Re: Unknown boat part

This engine looks identical to the 1965 or 1966 Johnson 60hp that my father had up until about 1984. I believe the part in question is the neutral switch.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Unknown boat part

Yes neutral safety switch. White lead goes to the vacuum cutout switch.

Gale marketed these Buccaneers and the deluxe Sovereigns until 1963, and were produced by OMC to private brand labels for boaters on a budget.

 

[boobie]

Re: Unknown boat part

It's not a neutral safety switch. All it does is keep the motor from starting if you have the throttle to far advanced.

The wire on it should go to the starter solenoid.

 

[boobie]

Re: Unknown boat part

HighTrim, where's the vacuum cutout switch on that motor ??

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Unknown boat part

Lets just call it a safety switch. The exact function is dependent on the year of the motor. The following is an extract from the link posted earlier.

SAFETY SWITCH
Electric starting models before 1961 are equipped with a switch which prevents motor from being started when gear shift lever is not in neutral. On 1961 and later models, the switch prevents motor from being started at advanced throttle.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Unknown boat part

HighTrim, where's the vacuum cutout switch on that motor ??

My bad, sorry was thinking of the 40hp. I need to learn me to read better. Sorry.

 

[GerardK]

Re: Unknown boat part

Thanks for all the replies. I get it now. Thanks again to all.