260 throttle control re-installation

[4_Ever_Newbie]

I removed the shifter handle on my 2004 260 Searay to change the trim switch (having intermittent issues that were ultimately not due to the switch) and now I’m having issues with the engine not starting… I believe because I’m unable to re-assemble properly and handle is not in the correct neutral position.

Does anyone know of a procedure to re-assemble a Commander 4000 handle?…can’t find anything online.

Tried to reset to different positions, all forward, all back, etc to no avail. Engine starts fine if I push the neutral button and start with the handle in forward position…so I suspect issue is the incorrect neutral position

It is a commander 4000 like in the pic. Bravo III single engine

 

[4_Ever_Newbie]

Anyone?..tks

 

[Roland Illvesand]

I removed the shifter handle on my 2004 260 Searay to change the trim switch (having intermittent issues that were ultimately not due to the switch) and now I’m having issues with the engine not starting… I believe because I’m unable to re-assemble properly and handle is not in the correct neutral position.

Does anyone know of a procedure to re-assemble a Commander 4000 handle?…can’t find anything online.

Tried to reset to different positions, all forward, all back, etc to no avail. Engine starts fine if I push the neutral button and start with the handle in forward position…so I suspect issue is the incorrect neutral position

It is a commander 4000 like in the pic. Bravo III single engine

Can this help you?

4000 MPC GEN II Pistol Grip Remote Control Installation Instructions (bottomlinemarine.com)

 

[KevinC]

Anyone?..tks

Unfortunately I cannot provide any additional assistance - but if it started fine before and not now I would focus my attention on the neutral cutoff switch. It is designed to prevent you from starting the engine in gear.

-Kevin

 

[4_Ever_Newbie]

Can this help you?

4000 MPC GEN II Pistol Grip Remote Control Installation Instructions (bottomlinemarine.com)

Tks for the instruction manual, I didn’t have it. Unfortunately it does not tell you how to mechanically align the gears in neutral. Since the safety switch will not let me start it unless in neutral, I will just go trial and error in the full range until I find it…

 

[4_Ever_Newbie]

Ok, update for whoever has a similar problem: this is not documented anywhere and just worked for me so do it at your own risk: if you ever disassemble the throttle control in a Bravo III Merc, to say, change the trim switch, you will likely lose the neutral position and won’t be able to turn the engine on. To find the neutral: with ignition off, push the neutral switch and advance the handle so it is forward, then remove the neutral button (pry with a knife), it will come out. Put it back in the “non working” neutral position, then depress the lock button as if you were shifting forward but just move it a little. Then try the ignition. If it does not turn, move it forward a little more, try the ignition again…repeat until you hear the engine trying to turn (stop specially if out of the water or you’ll kill the engine). If it does not work in any forward position I guess you’ll need to try doing it the other way. Once you find your nreutral just disassemble the handle and re-assemble with the “neutral” slot in he vertical position you just found . Asemble everything back ( to insert the neutral button you need to move the handle forward…with engine off, insert it, then move back to neutral).