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Engine dies when transmission engaged.

Posted: Tue May 16, 2017 8:00 pm
by Rockxx
Good evening to all,

My son took his 1977 37', twin 360 sedan out this past weekend and after a successful short cruise, drifted for a while. Both engines restarted but the port died immediately when put into gear, both forward and reverse, regardless of the rpm. Restarted numerous times with no problem but died immediately upon gear engagement. I told him that I suspected the neutral switch but having no experience with one, have no idea what to check. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.
Regards to all,
Rockxx

Re: Engine dies when transmission engaged.

Posted: Tue May 16, 2017 9:31 pm
by EWRice
Smell the trans fluid. It sounds like the trans might be bound up because of internal failure. I've seen a few velvet drives do this, but they usually lock in forward and stall when shifted into reverse.

Could be something caught in prop. Grab the prop shaft and see if it can be turned by hand. Neutral safety switch is only tied into the starting circuit, not the ignition, so that should have no effect.

Re: Engine dies when transmission engaged.

Posted: Wed May 17, 2017 6:56 am
by Fastjeff
.."Could be something caught in prop"

That's my guess as well. Kinda cold to go over the side with a knife in your teeth (like a pirate) but that's what you need to do.

Jeff

PS: If there is something wrapped around the prop, it's BAD news slipping her into gear.

Re: Engine dies when transmission engaged.

Posted: Wed May 17, 2017 9:25 am
by ddependo
Rope around prop ,has happened to me twice. Keep a special rope cutting knife on board and a harness I made to tie me to the boat. I was in a strong current once and had to tie a rope around my waist.
Wayne

Re: Engine dies when transmission engaged.

Posted: Wed May 17, 2017 6:51 pm
by balthaus
Our 32 was wayyyyyy over propped, and still is, when we bought her.
Had the exact same problem. Tuned and timed motors...good last part of last season...we shall see for this season.
Hoping to get stock props soon.