Hello, i just bought my 1st boat, it's a 1987 Formula 242SS with 454 magnum/alpha 1. I took it out for the 1st time today and when i put it in reverse the engine stalls out. Seems to be just fine going into forward. Any ideas? Thanks

It may just be the shift cable from engine to outdrive or the shift interrupter next to the carb.

just a thought

Thanks, i played with the little microswitch thingy.....got it to work but it clunks into reverse and forward a lil more than i think it should, gonna have to find a manual(somewhere) so i can figure out the adjustment.

Check the length of the shifter cables. They have to be just right to work.

also, as in my case, if the cable has any notable restriction it is typically enough to trigger the kill switch. I have found with mine that if I just shift into reverse fast enough it will overcome the friction of the cable faster than the switch can activate.

My motor is about to be coming out and I will be replacing the cable then, thats why I rig it this way to work for now.

Yeah, stalling when shifting is a typical sign of a sticky shift cable that needs replacing. Unfortunately no adjustment or "quick fix" I know of. Shifting real quickly is about the only way around it in the meantime. Sure makes for fun docking in a tight spot, huh?

you can say that again!!! especially since all of my other boats are outboards so I was out of practice with backing into docks, and it gets worse!!!! when you arent quick enough and it dies!!! then you get to go to neutral, crank then try again!!