Engine starting in neutral

[franst8]

I have installed a new starting battery in my 1977 365. As I have not personally started the engine before, I don't want to cause any problems. The shift lever is a bit sloppy feeling and I'm not sure when it is in neutral. How can I be sure and what will happen if I try to start it and it isn't in neutral? The engine is the original Westerbeke 40 that came with the boat. In the past it has run fine. Also, the manual says the alarm should sound when the key is turned but when I turned the key to ON, the alarm didn't sound. What does this mean?

Thanks, Fran

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Rather than be constantly worried about it, you should fix the problem which is likely a simple adjustment or replacement of the transmission shift cable. It's probably a good idea to do this regardless since most people would prefer to not have a faulty cable when maneuvering in/out of the slip or mooring field.

 

[franst8]

Hi,
Thanks for the reply. Replacement of cable is in progress.

Fran

 

[franst8]

Hi,
Thanks for the reply. Replacement of cable is in progress.

Fran

 

[Nick Shearin]

engine start

My Yanmar will start in gear with no problem...just make sure you have idle throttle. If you are at dock you can use dock lines to make sure the boat doesn't move.

I have installed a new starting battery in my 1977 365. As I have not personally started the engine before, I don't want to cause any problems. The shift lever is a bit sloppy feeling and I'm not sure when it is in neutral. How can I be sure and what will happen if I try to start it and it isn't in neutral? The engine is the original Westerbeke 40 that came with the boat. In the past it has run fine. Also, the manual says the alarm should sound when the key is turned but when I turned the key to ON, the alarm didn't sound. What does this mean?

Thanks, Fran

 

[SEMIJim]

Also, the manual says the alarm should sound when the key is turned but when I turned the key to ON, the alarm didn't sound. What does this mean?

Previous owner may have disconnected the alarm. Oft-times boaters get annoyed with the noise, every time they go to start up their engines, and eventually disconnect them. Other times the alarms go off for a good reason (marginal engine operation or faulty sensor) and owners disconnect the alarm rather than fix the problem. Advise you find out what's up with that.

Jim