engine won't start in neutral

[straygatt]

I have a 1976 Reinell with an OMC 800 sterndrive. The problem is I was pulling up to the dock and once I put it in neutral the engine died. It wouldn't start. It only starts in drive or reverse. If I try to start in neutral it just bumps the motor. What could be the problem? Any thoughts?

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Sounds like a issue with the shift interupt switch? It causes the ignition to stumble as you shift into gear.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Get a service manual it will explain how to adjust it properly it is on the shift adaptor on back of the engine.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

That has the electric shift correct? Hopefully it is not the shift switch in the controls bigbucks. Do you have a schematic? Disconnect the interupt wire at the ignition and see if it starts in neutral?

 

[straygatt]

That has the electric shift correct? Hopefully it is not the shift switch in the controls bigbucks. Do you have a schematic? Disconnect the interupt wire at the ignition and see if it starts in neutral?

I'll try that thanks.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

Ot would be on the neg side of the ignition coil just keep the wire from the distributor connected.