200hp Johnson Shift Delay Switch, leave it or remove it? - The Hull Truth

starboard enterprise · 03-14-2007, 09:21 PM

Mike I have a question for you.

My dad's running a 2000 Johnson Ocean Pro carb engine on his Wellcraft and his shift interrupt switch went out. His mechanic said he'll order him another one but his advice is to leave the switch out all together?? Does this sound right? His mechanic said that the switch is problematic and best left off. Whats your opinion on this? Leave it on or disable it? He also wants my dad to disable the VRO pump and run straight mix gas in his tank.

Thanks for any help.

A1 Outboard · 03-15-2007, 12:14 AM

The switch is not problematic, very rarely is it a problem. Most of the time salt water corrosion causes the switch to activate because the linkage or bushings are very stiff. Control cables out of adjustment make the problem worse.

You might want to consider a different mechanic, one who knows the system and how it works, and knows how to set up the linkage, cable adjustments, and check for any stiffness in the gearcase shift rod cover and the horizontal shift shaft bushings. Have a new switch installed ASAP if it really was malfunctioning.

starboard enterprise · 03-15-2007, 06:08 AM

Quote:

A1 Outboard - 3/14/2007 11:14 PM

The switch is not problematic, very rarely is it a problem. Most of the time salt water corrosion causes the switch to activate because the linkage or bushings are very stiff. Control cables out of adjustment make the problem worse.

You might want to consider a different mechanic, one who knows the system and how it works, and knows how to set up the linkage, cable adjustments, and check for any stiffness in the gearcase shift rod cover and the horizontal shift shaft bushings. Have a new switch installed ASAP if it really was malfunctioning.

Thanks for the advice! One more question, is there any ill effects of running the engine temporarily (2 weeks) without the switch?

A1 Outboard · 03-15-2007, 08:45 AM

there is always the possibility that the motor may be very hard to come OUT of gear when docking or in a crowded situation, especially if it idles faster than normal for some reason.