Still in gear when selecting reverse

[fester]

Hi Everyone,

I have a strange issue where if I put it into reverse and back into neutral.. Its still stuck in engaged reverse gear.. When I put it into forward and neutral it releases the gear..

Is this just a simple shift cable adjustment? Any tips on how to approach this ?

Many thanks!

[mmwjr]

Sounds like the cables need adjustment. Refer to the Alpha Mercruiser manual under Documents for doing so.

[fester]

Very nervous as I'm typing this.. I tried adjusting the shift cable and it was a good bit off.. I started it and it seems like it was working better than before.. then it cut out and wont start again.. I put the two cables remote + shift back to their previous positions and it turns ok but wont start.

Its definitely out of gear as the prop spins freely when starting.. Also tried using it with a little throttle with no joy.. It started perfectly before I adjusted the cable. I wonder does the engine think its stuck in gear?

I feel more nervous now than when I hit the leg. Any help very much appreciated!!! Thanks

[mmwjr]

The shift interrupt switch may be activated killing the ignition. Look to see if the switch roller is centered in the valley of the lever. See Alpha manual under Documents if you don’t have it. You can also temporarily disconnect the switch to see if it will start.

[fester]

Thanks mmwjr.. I literally just tried disconnecting the interrupt switch.. No joy unfortunately same issue.. Confirmed its still in the middle (not pressed)

Also tried bypassing the pressure switch sender for the fuel pump.. and everything good there too..

Any other ideas?

Thanks

[fester]

Also tried reseating the big fat round connector behind the shift cable plate to see if it got dislodged during the adjustment.. No joy either..

Could it be a fuse or the kill switch at the console? I could try splice the cables that goto the kill cord switch? Is it a normally closed circuit?

[fester]

One last point to finish the day.. I took off the flame arrest and didn't see any squirts of fuel when turning.... The fuel pump kicked in at the appropriate times.. Im completely baffled ...

[Phillbo]

check the kill switch to make sure it did not get flipped off....

[mmwjr]

Try cycling the kill switch a few times to see if that helps. With a volt meter is there 12V on the + terminal of the ignition coil? The carb will only spray fuel if you pump the throttle until the engine starts.

[fester]

It was the kill switch . I viciously moved the kill switch up & down several times and the engine fired up the second time cranking from cold. @mmwjr Another save my good friend! I think IOU several slabs of drinks at this stage..

Couple of notes:

• I should have tried starting it in its previous state for a control test just in case it was a heat / intermittent issue. I'm learning! I guess trying it out on the water will be the real test.
• When I turn the key to "on" (the first position, not "start") I get the normal buzzer sound from under the helm. When moving the switch up and down quickly, the buzzer sound started to warble.. I'm guessing its influencing the power in some way and hopefully proves the kill switch is faulty?

[mmwjr]

I’m getting thirsty.

The kill switch remove 12V ignition power which includes power to the alarm. You can either try spraying the switch with contact cleaner or replace it.