issues: engine stalling, neutral safety switch

[oldboat1]

There is a 15 amp reset switch in the metal box cover that holds the red plastic key (1980 F26). When I pushed the reset button, my ignition switch came back to life. It works like it should in the on position and for engine starting. I don't know what the condition was that required a reset -- will check the ignition switch (toggle switch on this boat) to make sure the contacts are good. After pushing the reset button, the switch worked fine, so I'm thinking (but not sure) it's probably not a defective switch. And it could be related to the large red plastic switch -- don't think I checked to be sure other stuff was working before I pressed the reset. Anybody know what the 15 amp reset switch controls?

The neutral safety switch still isn't working quite right, as before -- have to fiddle with the shift lever to hit the sweet spot in order to start the engine. I'm thinking there may be an adjustment at the control box (sweet spot is just about at the reverse gear detent). I guess I haven't completely ruled out the neutral safety switch in the stalling issue, though. I was shifting out of neutral when the engine quit, because the reset switch presumably opened. As the neutral safety switch is wired to the starter switch, I think there could be a cause and effect -- though could be as simple as a loose connection at the starter switch.

progress, I guess. I don't like the prospect of the engine unexpectedly shutting down.

[Big D]

The nuetral safety switch issue may be as simple as a cable adjustment. In fact, you should go through the process to ensure the tranny is fully engaged when in gear or it will fail prematurely.
- Disconect the cable at the tranny.
- Set the shifter in the nuetral detent.
- Manually set the tranny in the nuetral detent (at the tranny).
- Now adjust length of cable to fit on to the tranny shift arm without moving the arm.
- Attach the cable, go to the helm and shift into forward.
- Go to tranny, remove cable without moving the tranny shift arm.
- Now check the arm to make sure it has traveled all the way in the direction needed to get it into gear, there should be no more travel left in the arm.
- Do same with reverse.
If you can't get full travel, then you have a problem with the cable or shifter. Adjust nuetral safety switch so that it starts opening as soon as the shifter starts moving away from nuetral.

[oldboat1]

Thanks, D. I should be able to follow that procedure.