Scout Boats 320 LXF, Owner'S Manual

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Every control system has a neutral safety switch incorporated
into it. This device prohibits the engine from being started while
the shift lever is in any position other than the neutral position. If
the engine will not start, slight movement of the shift lever may
be necessary to locate the neutral position and disengage the
safety cutout switch. Control adjustments may be required to
correct this condition should it persist. See your Scout dealer for
necessary control and cable adjustments.
The neutral safety switches should be tested periodically to
ensure that they are operating properly. To test the neutral safety
switches, make sure the engines are tilted down and move the
shift levers to the forward position.
Make sure the throttle control levers are not advanced past the
idle position. Turn the ignition key to the start position just long
enough to briefly engage the starter for the engine. Do not hold
the key in the start position 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 engages with the shift controls in any position other
than the neutral position, then the neutral safety switch is not
functioning properly and you should contact your dealer to have
the neutral safety switch repaired by a qualified marine mechanic
before using the boat. If an engine starts in gear during this test,
immediately move the control lever to the neutral position and
turn the engine o
ff .
In some situations, it may be possible to accidentally start the engines in
gear with the throttles above idle if the neutral safety switch is not
operating properly. This would cause the boat to accelerate
unexpectedly in forward or reverse and could result in loss of control,
damage to the boat, or injury to passengers. Always test the neutral
safety switch periodically and correct any problems before using the boat.
3.3
Neutral Safety Switch
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