Turn ignition key and absolutely silent. Should I replace neutral safety switch or starter solenoid, or check some wires,?. Battery full, jiggling the transmission lever sometimes results in the starter turning over. Eventually starts, but am afraid one day it won't. Any way to check the solenoid, or just replace it?. Westerbeke 58. 2500 hours. Starter approx 20 years old. Thanks. Also any suggestions on where to buy a replacement neutral safety switch for Borg Warner Tranny?
Neutral safety switch?
- Thread starter Rodd
- Start date
Before replacing, check everything. It could be just a loose wire or faulty connection. I had the same problem. The terminals on the neutral switch on the transmission corroded. I'd clean them and eventually they corroded again. Simple solution...eliminate the safety switch. Since I'm the only one who starts the engine, I know of this modification. Bob
In addition to the previous informatuon, It could also be a mal-adjusted or loose safety switch issue..
I would recommend bypassing the NSS for a while to see if the problem still occurs. If it does then the NSS, it's wiring or detent adjustment is the likely issue.
Thanks all, and Maine; where is this "detent" that can be adjusted? I have not yet replaced my Teleflex shift cable, and that is on my to do list. Is the detent near the end of the shift cable? Is it a micro switch, or something similar?
It depends upon the switch type. Some have threads on the shaft with an o-ring that should bottom out and seal against the gear. These can come loose and can be re-tightened / adjusted for the detent/ball/switch to properly work... If you have a Velvet Drive the NSS is usually on starboard side near the top aft end of the gear threaded into a triangular plate with three bolts that hold the plate to the block.
I do have a Velvet Drive, and I see this triangular plate. Should I remove the plate and examine the ball? what will I be looking for with the ball? Is there an adjustment for the ball under that triangular plate?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Your NSS should look like this.
If it is tight there is nothing you can do but bypass it or replace it... Don't remove the plate or you will need a new gasket...
cleaned terminals as best I could, given that the starter is right up against the NSS. Will have to wait until I can get more time to remove starter and properly clean wires and terminals. I could not even get an offset screwdriver on the bolts to remove the 2 wires and jumper them together.
Not sure if this pertains to your unit, but awhile back Universal posted a bulletin regarding this issue. Our M20 had an inline fuse in the line running from the starter solenoid to the ignition switch. The crappy fuse holder together with undersized wire and a crappy engine wiring harness connector created a 2-3 volt drop at the solenoid. It got to the point where starting was almost impossible (hit the start switch and nothing happens).
Check out this bulletin: http://www.westerbeke.com/pages/servicebulletins.htm
Check out this bulletin: http://www.westerbeke.com/pages/servicebulletins.htm
Thanks for that info Jim, tho I don't know if the Universal engines and Westerbeke have the same set up. As far as I know there is no fuse in that wire mentioned in the TSB.
The Westerbeke service bulletin link is useful !
The Westerbeke service bulletin link is useful !