260 merc-no neutral -shifting issue

[JennyG]

Hello All, My name is Joe and I am new here and need help..
I just bought an 85 Sea Ray
260 mercury
5.9 I believe

The issue is Forward and reverse work fine but I can not put in neutral from either.
The interrupter switch seems to work fine. I tested it and it kills when depressed. When I shift to reverse the ball rides up to kill the ignition.
My Question is- What are the causes for it not wanting to return to neutral?
If I play with it and/or shut the engine down the shifter works easily and goes into neutral with no problem. I understand there is no load on when I do this. Any suggestions or is the only diagnosis to cgange the drive cable?

 

[JustJason]

Re: 260 merc-no neutral -shifting issue

change the cable.....
Since you just bought the boat this will also be a perfect time for you to inspect the bellows, gimbal bearing and ujoints.

 

[JennyG]

Re: 260 merc-no neutral -shifting issue

Thanks CaptJason for you quick reply. I am going down to the boat to figure this out today.
Let me clarify..
I bought the boat a week ago.
Replaced impeller and assembly.
Boat shifted and ran great but unfortunately the previous owner installed an automotive battery and miswired it causing me to fry the ignition module ,distributor,etc. etc. I have now replaced the alternator, coil pack, distributor ignition sensor, 2 new marine batteries, plugs, thermostat etc etc.
It noew runs great but I must have fried some other electrical connections possibly within the ignition system because some of my gauges no longer work.It shifted in and out of neutral with no problem before. Is it possible it is electronically related? The issue with not going into neutral? Also the rpm gauge, trim gauge, and a few others are not working.
Thank you..

 

[JustJason]

Re: 260 merc-no neutral -shifting issue

is it stalling when you try to pull it out of gear? Is the interupter cutting the engine when you move the shifter?

 

[JennyG]

Re: 260 merc-no neutral -shifting issue

Yes, it was stalling after being in reverse when I tried to accelerate. The ball was riding up out of center activating the kill switch. I manually adjusted the switch bar(bent it to prevent this).
Probably a bad idea.Is there some kind of adjustment so the roller wont ride up and kill it but stay centered and activate the interrupter properly or can it be electrical in nature other than the interrupter? Or can I adjust the lower cable rod?

 

[JustJason]

Re: 260 merc-no neutral -shifting issue

still sounds like your lower cable is hanging up. That's what they do when they get worn. Your bending of the switch was an attempt to compensate for that. Ya should replace the lower cable and probably replace the switch at this point. You probably won't be able to bend it back to where it needs to be.

 

[JennyG]

Re: 260 merc-no neutral -shifting issue

Thanks,
How difficult is it to replace ? Do you know where I can get a good play by play for this? I have a few books but they do not read very easily..

 

[Don S]

Re: 260 merc-no neutral -shifting issue

The best "Play by Play" you are going to find is from the OEM service manual. Go to the link below and go to page 4A-14 thru 4A-20 for how to change it.
http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6A4R3.PDF
Here is the link to the rest of the OEM service manual.
http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf
Pay particular attention to adjusting it properly after replacing.

I would also strongly suggest you get the OEM (Mercruiser) shift cable kit. Those cables now have a teflon coated inner cable that makes for really smooth shifts, and less wear to the new cable. They are only a few dollars more than aftermarket, but way better in the long run.

 

[JennyG]

Re: 260 merc-no neutral -shifting issue

Thank you Guys,
After spending 4 hours in the rain on the Hudson River adjusting the shift cable and interrupter switch and trying it out on the water, I was able to get it close but still have to baby it. It at least goes into neutral both ways now and only stalls once in awhile. I am still fighting with it though.

I surrender, I do believe it is time to change that cable. I found a local guy on the marina who said he would replace the cable and everything else while he was in there for $650. Does that sound like a fair price?

Thanks again, Joe

 

[Frankiea87]

Re: 260 merc-no neutral -shifting issue

hey i just replaced my shift cables.. if you need help i could do it for A LOT cheaper... what is "everything else"

 

[tysonnathan]

Re: 260 merc-no neutral -shifting issue

650 is high for shift cables... does that include the part? "everything else" is pretty ambiguous too... I would find out what that entailed...