Neutral switch

Jun 11, 2011
1,243
Hunter 41 Lewes
I believe the normal path for that is from the Key switch to the NSS to the Starter Solenoid. I'm pretty sure 14g wire will do the trick but it's always best to test the circuit.
 
Oct 2, 2008
3,807
Pearson/ 530 Strafford, NH
Amazon has the switch for $40, hmmmmmmm. Trans Atlantic Diesel has it for $26.
 
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capta

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Jun 4, 2009
4,766
Pearson 530 Admiralty Bay, Bequia SVG
Amazon has the switch for $40, hmmmmmmm. Trans Atlantic Diesel has it for $26.
TAD is a great company to build a relationship with. Usually a bit higher prices, but knowledgeable and quick to respond to requests for parts.
 

MitchM

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Jan 20, 2005
1,011
Nauticat 321 pilothouse 32 Erie PA
go to boatdiesel.com and search for your engine and tranny set u . you can s earch for free but you need to subscribe to post questions or email. this board saved me a ton of $$$ over the last 45 years.
 
Oct 2, 2008
3,807
Pearson/ 530 Strafford, NH
Just an update on the switch. I did a fluid change and filled the transmission just under full on the dip stick. I was told once to check it hot just when I shut down the engine because some ATF fluids will be in the oil cooler. Thinking back to last fall, I had added an ounce because it looked less than full. Does it have to be precisely full?

The manual says 3 quarts but I added 2.6 and the engine started without me fussing with the neutral safety switch. Would too much fluid interfere with its operation? I’ll keep track.
 
Dec 29, 2008
805
Treworgy 65' LOA Custom Steel Pilothouse Staysail Ketch St. Croix, Virgin Islands
We had a problem with starting out engine during the first year after acquired the vessel back in 2003. Ended up paying something like $700 to have the starter removed, rebuilt and reinstalled. Then encountered the problem again! Finally figured out that it was the NSS which apparently is slightly out of adjustment. Jiggling the gear lever toward Forward and trying again usually gets it the first time. One of these days I will dismantle things and find how to align that NSS. Frankly, I don't know if the NSS is in the gearshift/throttle mechanism or in the Velvet Drive.

Just for entertainment purposes, here is our gearshift/throttle:
Engine Telegraph.jpg


If I were honest, I would admit that THIS was the deciding factor in buying the boat!
 
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Feb 8, 2014
1,300
Columbia 36 Muskegon
The wires attach to the switch with eye lugs. You can just unscrew them and put a bolt/nut through them if you wish to one day replace the switch, of course wrapping this in electrical tape or heat shrink, or you can cut off the lugs and use a butt connector. No wire size changes or worries.
Or just put both wires on the same lug. Doesn't matter which one. That way you could easily put it back to stock if needed.
Agreed, on a light boat with a big motor a neutral switch is needed to keep from throwing the operator overboard if started in gear. Totally unnecessary in a heavy sailboat.
 
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Aug 2, 2005
1,155
Pearson 33-2 & Typhoon 18 Seneca Lake
Hello NotCook, Impressive! I agree with your thoughts on the reason to purchase based on the gearshift/throttle. Do you also have a "tube" to talk to the crew in the engine room? Is your vessel steam powered? Best Wishes.