88 Dominique

Brett,
I almost missed your post since sometimes I don't get down to the "new" section. It's typically used for what's new at CCfan but I'm glad I did catch your question. I should utilize the new posts feature more often. I know many of the members do use it.

When you say it won't start, do you mean it won't crank IE: turn over? I have to assume that's what you mean since you mention wiggling your throttle. If so, it's your NSS (neutral safety switch). It's there to prevent the starter from cranking the engine over and potentially starting the engine when it's in gear. The common cause of a no crank due to the NSS being open, is shift and throttle cable adjustment. There's a adjustment procedure link in the FAQ thread in the maintenance forum. I'll see if I can find it and get back to you. Has anyone been messing with the trans and or carb lately?

So you think is just a minor adjustment?

NO, the SW never started. She is sitting waiting for a stringer job and engine overhaul. When running she handled the Lake Erie conditions like a champ.

Thanks for the thread.

Nope, nothing has been messed with. She runs great otherwise

brettmac wrote: So try adjusting the cables before going to the switch replacement.

The VOM will tell you if there's an intermittent continuity problem with the NSS. Get it out and do some testing before just throwing parts at the problem.

To be clear, only the trans cable needs to be adjusted to solve the problem you're describing. The throttle cable obviously doesn't factor in. All adjustments for this particular problem can be made at the trans end, don't touch the control end.

An intermittent NSS is unlikely to be solved by jiggling the handle, that's a classic cable adjustment issue.

Not an uncommon issue, both of mine do this on occasion. Simpler on my 75 century as it has a dash neutral light. So, on occasion if it fails, I just rattle the throttle a tad until the green light goes on, then all's good....but CC's are not so equipped, or at least my 74 Southwind isn't. ..

Morfoot adjusted my SW a few years back but it still occasionally fails, which I've chalked up to 40+ year old linkage and all that.....no big deal and not enough for me to start replacing stuff, or at least not yet anyway. ...

I have determined that when it does happen, it's always when the very last throttle movement is to reverse (as in docking). If i give it a quick tap to forward just before shutting it off, the next time it starts fine every time without fail. Adjustment is obviously your proper fix, just thought this little tip might get you out of a jam someday....

The brass barrel ends of the cables can wear, significantly and dangerously on these boats over time - If you have a boat that seems to constantly need some jiggling and doesn't seem to stay adjusted you might want to look behind that morse control and make sure you don't have a cable end about to break off

Ok. I'll have a look and circle back. Boat is tucked away for a few more weeks. Thanks.

Ok, rebuilt starter failed prior to layup last fall, winterized by hand. PIA. Before ordering a new starter to be clear, if the dizzy is rotating CCW when looking from the bow, it takes a CCW starter correct? Thanks in advance. BrettMac

Lucky thing they are titled exactly the same so nobody would get confused and think they were in the correct thread