Pal, if you methodically and systematically use a good P of E (process of elimination) .... one item at a time, you will resolve this..... but not until you begin digging into it.
We could post back and forth another 35 posts or so, but I think that you need to roll your sleeves up, and get dirty here.... or, get someone with experience to give you a hand.
No offense!
And yes.... I'll second the idea of posting photos..... they can be very helpful!
BTW, any switch that kills the engine would be your engine kill lanyard device. Cheif spells this out in post # 3. You probably do not have this on a 1981 sedan f/b boat!
I agree with Mark in post # 5.
I don't believe that the 454 would not have made it out of the Searay factory with the Alpha drive.
More likely the TR or TRS .... seems like you have confirmed this....
correct?
With the TR or TRS drive, there will be no Shift Interrupt switch.
Even if......, it has zero to do with this neutral safety starter circuit issue!
Point being, don't confuse yourself between a "Shift Interrupt" and a "Neutral Safety" switch. These have two entirely different functions!
Here is a Morse Twin S throttle/shift unit. One of the better ones, I may add, and particularly for dual stations.
Here is the Twin SR! Not quite as good, IMO....., but likely what Sea Ray used in 1981.
Typically, the single lever units do not work with dual station controls..... hence the Twin S or SR style w/ 33C cables.
Again, don't be confused when a replacement single lever control is suggested.... you want the Morse Twin S or SR, IMO.
BTW, short of something along the lines of Mathers controls, nothing is going to make the trans shift a whole lot better without new cables, and proper adjustment.... especially if you now have the Twin S.
Replace cables, lubricate, adjust!
Does the transmission shift lever look like this one?
Here's a link to KC Marine's web site who also specialize in the TR and TRS drives.
Pal, there is a man in Seattle Washington who specializes in the TR and TRS drives.
I don't know how to contact him, but have a friend who occasionally sells TR/TRS parts to him.
If you'd like, I can find out how to contact him.
Keep in mind that you can right click on any posted image to reveal "properties", copy/paste the URL between image tags (
), and the image will appear on your post.
You can also edit any unwanted text when you quote someone..... or better said,
use only the text that is relative or important!
Makes is easier for us to read when only one point may be necessary!
Good luck on this! Hang in there..... you'll get it!