Shift Cutout Switch

[tm]

Another question on 1995 16 4.3LX. When shifting from neutral to either first or reverse gear engine would shut down.Tested roller type switch, was closing to late. Replaced it and problem was solved. However, sometimes when going from in gear to neutral engine would slow down considerably and stall. Upping the idle slightly seemed to solve this problem. Have only had boat a month, it has 70 hours on it and am not familar with its characteristics. Looking at schematic it seems cutout switch momentarily grounds ignition to stall engine.Is it normal for engine to slow to almost a stall when going in and out of gear--what is normal??

[Owen]

Your throttle linkage is too tight and your idle is set too low. Check all the pivot points and cams and see if any bind. You are right about the shift cutoff switch- its all or none and should not increase or decrease idle. Loose doesn't mean "about to comeoff." But enough slack to let the linkage fall into place without binding. Sound like your idle setscrew is set to low but is being held back by some binding. The more you play with the throttle the more the linkage lets loose till you stall.