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 Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums
 General Sailing Forum
 Tohatsu problems
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John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/15/2008 :  17:18:29  Show Profile
So, today started as a sunny but cool day with lots of excitement for splash. I got to the marina and checked in. Within 30 minutes they came for the boat and took it to the well. All went well as it lowered into the water. When instructed, I went back to start the ellectric start Tohatsu.

I hit the button and nothing. Checked the shift lever and it was in neutral. Tried again, still nothing. Tried to pull start it and nothing. Went below to check battery connections ane they were OK. The lift operator suggested I move the shift lever a bit while trying to pull start it. That seemed to do work. I then hit the button again and she fired right up. He said something about linkage safety switch. Whatever that is.

Well, I motored to my slip and spent the day rigging the boat. Everything done but the mainsail. (I forgot to bring my sailcover with me this morning -- duh!) There wasn't much wind so I bent on the new 135% genoa. I even hung out my anchor rode to dry. Don't know why it was wet but it was.

Just before leaving I tried the motor again -- just 'cuz. You guessed it, Nada, Nichts, Nothing!!! I tried the tricks that worked earlier but still nothing.

So, anybody know how difficult the fix is for my gear linkage safety interface? I don't even know where to look for it. I'm hoping it's something I can do on the boat. I don't even want to try to lift that thing off the transom and carry it away. It'll swim for sure!

John Russell
1999 C250 SR/WK #410
Bay Village, Ohio
Sailing Lake Erie
Don't Postpone Joy!

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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 04/15/2008 :  17:51:16  Show Profile
My first stop is usually the library to find a Chilton's outboard engine manual, they cover most makes. You might also check the contacts of the starter button for corrosion.

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SEAN
Admiral

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USA
772 Posts

Response Posted - 04/15/2008 :  17:56:52  Show Profile
http://www.marineengine.com/manuals/clymer/tohatsu/tohatsu.html
John do you have one of these service manuels ?
they come in handy ,to have .

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Ed Cassidy
Captain

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USA
365 Posts

Response Posted - 04/15/2008 :  19:41:44  Show Profile
Here are a couple things to try. First, move the shift lever through the entire forward/reverse range multiple times. If the neutral safety switch is sticky from the winter that may loosen it some. Second, take the cover off the motor and have someone shift it while you watch the linkage. What you are looking for is a small (size of a quarter) switch with a couple wires exiting from it, and it should be somewhere along the linkage that moves when shifting. It really sounds like the safety switch. Good luck!

Ed (former mechanic, currently computer geek)

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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 04/15/2008 :  21:12:02  Show Profile  Visit britinusa's Homepage
yup, check that safety switch.

Talking of which, it seems dumb on our boats.

If you fall overboard with crew left onboard, and you have the safety switch hooked to your PFD, then they can't start the engine to get back to you!!!

The only time it seem reasonable to have the switch in place is when single handing.

Paul.

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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 04/15/2008 :  21:43:20  Show Profile
I think that is a different switch, I believe this "safety" is to prevent starting the engine in gear.

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 04/15/2008 :  21:44:49  Show Profile
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by britinusa</i>
<br />...it seems dumb on our boats. If you fall overboard with crew left onboard, and you have the safety switch hooked to your PFD, then they can't start the engine to get back to you!!!<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">That's another switch--the ignition dead-man's switch. The one John is talking about is on the shift linkage, keeping you from starting the engine in gear. As Ed said, try shifting back and forth, and also try a shot of silicone spray (not petroleum-based spray) on the switch itself (if you can spot it). Also exercise the dead-man's/shutoff switch by removing the collar and pushing/pulling the button multiple times. All swithces like that can get a little corrosion or gunk on the contacts when not exercised for a while.

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 04/15/2008 21:46:11
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dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 04/15/2008 :  21:46:26  Show Profile
sounds reasonable that the switch may be sticking from non-use. However, if that's not it, I have found that it is a lot easier to remove the motor if you are stern first in the slip. That way, you can almost stand over the motor while removing it from the boat, assuming you are on a floating dock ans not a fixed pier.

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John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 04/16/2008 :  08:34:02  Show Profile
I figured I'm going to have to swing it around to get the motor off. Fortunately, the marina is still nearly empty so, there's lots of room. I was having a very hard time moving the shift lever into reverse at the end of the day yesterday. The frustration level rose and I just went home. Maybe I'll go back out tonight and try the things mentioned. This is one of the down sides of being over an hour away from the boat and having limited mecahanical skill. I'm pretty sure this will result in a hit to the checkbook. Just hope it isn't too big. Here's my contribution to the economic stimulus plan Thanks.

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John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 04/19/2008 :  18:47:28  Show Profile
So, I have a modicum of good news. There seems to be two separate switches in play here. One keep the electric starter from engaging unless in neutral. That one, as far as I could tell today is not readily accessible. Another is located at the top of the rope pull housing. That one is readily acessible AND easily sidestepped. Hurray! I can start my motor.

Of course, just as I discovered this, the rains came and the temperature dropped.

Sure glad I launched early!

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