PURSUIT OS 255, Owner'S Manual

Page: 23 / 120

Helm Systems
2-1
Section 2
OS 255
Helm Systems
2.1 General
Helm controls consist of three systems:
engine throttle and shift controls, steering
control system and trim/tab control switches.
Manufacturers of control components pro-
vide an owner’s manual with their products.
Carefully read and familiarize yourself with
the manuals, paying specific attention to the
proper care and operation of control sys-
tems.
2.2 Engine Throttle and Shift
Controls
Shift and throttle controls on your boat may
vary depending on the type of engines used.
The following control description is typical of
most outboard controls. Refer to engine or
control manuals for specific information on
the controls installed on your Pursuit.
A binnacle-style control at the helm of your
Pursuit has a single lever for each engine,
operating as a gearshift and throttle. Three
throttle positions are available: neutral
(straight up and down); forward (1
st
detent
forward of neutral); reverse (1
st
detent aft of
neutral).
Advancing the control lever beyond the shift
range advances the throttle in forward or
reverse. Each control is equipped to permit
the engine to operate at a higher-than-idle
RPM while in neutral for cold starting and
warm-up purposes.
The handles of dual lever controls may not
always align with each other at all RPM set-
tings due to variations in control cable rout-
ing, length and engine specific adjustments.
Often, a selected RPM will have proper
(side-by-side) alignment for the handles, but
the alignment may vary at other RPM set-
tings.
Control or cable adjustments may be
required to correct this condition should it
persist. See your Pursuit dealer for neces-
sary control and cable adjustments.
2.3 Neutral Safety Switch
Every control system has a neutral safety
switch incorporated into it. This device pro-
hibits the engine from starting while the shift
lever is in any position other than neutral.
Test the neutral safety switches periodically
to ensure they are operating properly. To test
the neutral safety switches, tilt the engines
down and move the shift levers to the for-
ward position. Make sure the control levers
are not advanced past the idle position.
Turn the ignition key to the start position just
long enough to briefly engage the engine’s
starter. Do not keep the key in the start posi-
tion long enough to start the engine. The
starter should not engage for either engine.
Repeat this test with the shift levers in
reverse and the engine throttles at idle.
Again, the starter should not engage for
either engine.
If the starter for either engine does engage
with the shift controls in any position other
than the neutral position, then the neutral
safety switch is not functioning properly.
Contact your dealer and have the neutral
safety switch repaired before using your
boat.
If an engine starts in any gear during this
test, immediately move the control levers to
the neutral position and turn off the engine.
!
CAUTION
Always return the engine throttle
levers to the lowest possible speed
position before shifting. Never shift
the transmission at any throttle set-
ting above idle RPM.