Starting Problem

[gpd955]

Having an issue when starting my A4 in my Catalina 30 (1979). Just delivered it a few wks ago and had some trouble getting it into neutral in order to start her. Eventually she started.

Yesterday we were out in some pretty roguh seas and went to return to the marina and she would not start. It took a significant amount of time and alot of "jiggling" of the shifter to get her going. We orignially thought that it was the starter but ruled that out after it started following manipulation of the shift handle.

Anyone else have this issue before and if so, can it be remedied??

Jack Manning
S/V Victim of Fate
Atlantic City, NJ

[Jim H]

If you haven't yet, you may want to read this thread at the Moyer site:

http://www.moyermarine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=734

It describes the process of checking and changing both the forward and reverse modes. Misadjustment could be making your neutral hard to hit.

I've noticed on my A4 that the shaft continues to rotate slowly unless my shifter is in an exact position. I'm tempted to mark that position at the shifter, but it hasn't caused any problems yet.

As noted in the thread above, exact neutral is when the prop shaft can rotate most easily. It could be possible that your starter is weak and won't turn her over unless the tranny is at the easiest/most neutral position.

Good luck!

Jim H

[tenders]

As a point of reference, my A4 will happily start with the engine fully engaged in forward gear. There is no fancy interlock mechanism or electronics to prevent this. I presume it would start in reverse too.