I sure am glad somebody figured that one out. The "ol boy" must of hit a wrong button > Everybody knows I have a beard & mustache
Thank you all for the well wishes!!
Have you checked the transmission fluid level & condition? Could very well be the cooler leaking fluid into the cooling system & exiting out the exhaust. Some 351's have an engine oil cooler as well that could cause it.
Wire them into a separate fused buss bar off the battery or fused directly to the battery. If I were to guess they have them wired into the ignition/start circuit that runs thu the engine breaker your referring too.
Check for a metal tag normally near the rear of the engine where it mates to the bell housing. Often times the # on the valve cover is not the correct one. But being a 3.7/185hp it has to be a mid 80's boat.
I don't recall a phn call or message from you at all. If I had I would of recommended you call Barrett's for any known shift problems with that particular engine and gone from there.
Normally it's the relay itself that's bad, there are two relays one for up & one for the down circuit. Switch them around & see if the problem goes to the down side.