1969 MC1 120 Merc, clutch, or shift cable or ?? won't go into reverse

[arnoldclan]

OK heres the process I went through with my older 120 merc, MC1. After experiencing shift problems getting into reverse last fall, I replaced the control cables, also replaced the shift shaft seal, the cavity was packed full of salt. All cleaned up and problem solved, or at least I thought. I have been trying to get them adjusted. OK, I got it to go into forward just fine, throttle works just fine, to I was concentrating on trying to get in into reverse, after becoming totally frustrated, I took the shift cable that goes to the outdrive off the stern mount, and tried to get it to go into reverse, just pulling on the cable, with the engine running, no luck at all. So even pulling directly I could not get it in reverse. Hope this is enough info to help me solve this dilemna. My boat mechanic replaced the shift cable about 5 years ago. Is there some sort of adjustment I missed in the outdrive?

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1969 MC1 120 Merc, clutch, or shift cable or ?? won't go into reverse

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,.... Sounds like the salt got into the Lower shift cable...

 

[arnoldclan]

Re: 1969 MC1 120 Merc, clutch, or shift cable or ?? won't go into reverse

Thanks for the lead.. all better now, pulled the oudrive off, took the inside cable end off, pulled the drive end connector back enough to clean out the inside where the cable connects to the outdrive, gained another 1/2 inch of travel, cleaned all around it the first time, who knew? thanks again..