Shifting problems 1973 Mercruiser

[reeves47374]

Can someone please help?
Recently purchased this boat, it will not shift into gear. The lower half was redone, and we fixed where they did not install with the shift in forward, thought the problem was fixed. We took it to the lake and it would not shift.
Now it will either go into forward or reverse not both.
Could this be a cable issue?
Please advise any opinion
Thank you

 

[xltier]

Re: Shifting problems 1973 Mercruiser

are you trying to adjust both gears with the same cable adjustment.if so you cant do it that way.its very tricky.you have to follow the manual to a tea.

 

[thunderroad]

Re: Shifting problems 1973 Mercruiser

My 69 160 did something similar when I first got it. It would go into forward just fine, but wouldn't quite go into reverse. I adjusted the position of the cable end in the oblong slot on the shift mechanism a little. Then it would go into reverse, but not forward....so I knew I was on to something. Adjusted it a couple more times till I found the sweet spot where it went into both and it's been fine for 3 seasons now.
Having said that...I know I'm due for a lower shift cable replacement. That's on the agenda for this winter.