Need Help!!!!

[RegalSebring]

I have an I/O Mercruiser 165 Alpha I. Whenever I have the boat idiling in the water, and then go to put it in Forward or Reverse, it stalls out. I know these units have the momentary shift assist switch, which is designed to momentarily kill the engine perse' while switching gears, and then kicks in. I've heard of units before where the linkage may stick too long, and thus causes the engine to stall. It seems like 85% of the time tho' mine will stall. I've tried to "visually" look into the engine compartment, especially focusing on the throttle linkage, but see nothing "holding or binding" when the throttle is depressed forward or reverse. Does ANYONE know what could be causing this? Thanks for any help given!

~Anthony

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Need Help!!!!

It sounds like you need to replace the shift cable to the drive.They corrode become stiff and hold the switch open making it stall.Jerry

 

[RegalSebring]

Re: Need Help!!!!

Thanks for thge help Jerry. I knew it was probably something with the shift cable. Is there a way to post pictures here? I'm taking pictures tomorrow. I have an upper AND lower cable. As I understand it, the lower cable has less distance to travel when your selecting gears, as the upper cable moves a greater distance, but if it's not in sync, and the upper travels too far away from the lower, it causes it to stall. I'm going to try and post pics so you can see what I'm talking about. There's a screw with a spring attached to the upper cable, and it was loose, so I tried just making it hand tight, and it seemed to help with some of the stalling, but I'm not sure if it's supposed to be all the way tight, or what. Thats what I'm hoping the pics will identify to some of you more experienced boaters. Thanks!

 

[fixb52s]

Re: Need Help!!!!

The shift cable you need to replace is the lower one. The upper one goes to the throttle control. Trust me, I had the same problem and it was solved with the new cable. I messed and messed with it too before I gave in and bought the new cable. If it is old and stiff, nothing you will do will make it work.

Get a factory manual. There is somewhere online where you can get it. You will have to remove the outdrive for this one.

And whatever you do, do not kink or otherwise bend the cable.

FYI: The switch is only suppose to actuate when bringing the throttle from fwd gear to neutral. It "stalls" the engine so the drive will bump out of gear.​

 

[Bondo]

Re: Need Help!!!!

Trust me, I had the same problem and it was solved with the new cable.

Ayuh,....I Agree completely,...

Install a New Lower Shift Cable,+ Bellows,....

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Need Help!!!!

You have 3 cables,2 from your shifter.1 goes to the carb the other to the lower shift cable mechanisim.The 2 cables don't usually go bad. It's the cable that goes to the drive that's bad. If you don't know what your doing you can cause HOURS!!! of frustration. Get someone to replace.Jerry

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Need Help!!!!

I did my own lower shift cable replacement. It wasn't a bad job. Took about 3+ hours if I remember correctly. But you will need the factory service manual for instructions and procedure to get the setting part correct.