Decompression Lever

[Tim]

I have recently purchased a 1988 Catalina 30 with a 25XP engine. The manual says to never use the decompression lever to shut down the engine. The previous and only owner says that's all he ever used and I should never use the key first. What should you actually use ? What's the problem using either ? thanks Tim

 

[Sail4dale]

Had a Cat30 for 18 years and had only used the decomp. lever three times. Low battery! I wonder if there is a confusion with the decompression lever on the top rear of the engine (spring loaded) and the fuel shutoff knob on the control panel?The proper way is to shut off the fuel supply with the pull lever that is cable attached to the fuel control lever on the injector pump on the engine.

 

[Tim]

Thanks

You're right, THANKS !!!!!!

 

[Steve]

Turning the key off when engine running will damage diodes in alternator ihave been told.