shift problem..

[mharmer34]

I recently replaced my valve cover gasket,thus i had to remove the shift cables,and throttle cable as they mount on top the valve cover.Its a 120 mercruiser with an alpha one outdrive,1987....Since ihad it apart,i cant seem to get reverse,forward cliks in as it should,but i cant seem to get reverse,i also just replaced the water pump impeller at the same time.How would i know if the shift shaft or intermediate shaft are bad..everything seemed tight,but i am new to the inboard/outboard setup...thank for all the help....matt

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: shift problem..

Welcome to iboats....
The shafts are probably fine.....
The lower shift cable may have incurred some damage from being kinked however.....
I would suspect the shift cable if everything worked before......
Don S posted up the link for manual #6 earlier today....
You need to look at that......
If you did not over heat at least you are on the right track.....JK

 

[Don S]

Re: shift problem..

Did you have the shift control in forward when you removed the drive? And, did you have the control AND the drive in forward when you put the drive back on. If not you probably bent/broke the shift shafts.

The manual that JK mentioned is at this link
http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf

Here is another link that is a little easier to follow, but the manual is still LAW for final adjustments on your particular drive.
http://www.mercstuff.com/howdoi.htm