1977 Mercruiser, won't stay in gear

[gmmiller]

I'm not a mechanic at all but I have a new problem that I'm hoping might be an easy fix. When I put it in gear, the engine revs up fine but the boat doesn't move; it doesn't stay in gear. I can idle just fine though.<br /><br />I just got it back from the shop and they did the following work on it: <br />-advance timing belt 5° to 12°<br />-free up and lube choke plate, re-set choke settings<br />-set correct firing order<br />-compression and leakdown test<br />-change plugs<br />-inspect and clean carb<br />-dianostic test electrical, set timing<br />-change coil/points/condenser<br />-change oil/filter<br /><br />The boat was sitting in storage for two years, I just got it back from the shop after this work and it was running great until this new problem where it won't stay in gear at high RPMs. Any suggestions? I don't know technical lingo so you'll have to dumb it down for me. :-(<br /><br />If I were to take it into a shop, any idea what it might cost me?<br /><br />Thanks!<br />Greg Miller<br /><br />p.s. Forgot to mention specifics: it's a 1977 Mercruiser, 188hp V8. Can't remember litres off the top of my head.

 

[lostintexas]

Re: 1977 Mercruiser, won't stay in gear

http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=29;t=016119 <br /><br />simular post about a simular problem. i do not know if it will help but some information is better than none right?<br /><br />peace!

 

[gmmiller]

Re: 1977 Mercruiser, won't stay in gear

Definetely sounds similar to my problem, but I don't understand the lingo well enough to even know how to do the test they talk about. If I were to take pictures of the lower unit would someone out there be willing to highlight and point out what the pieces are and what needs to be done? I blew all my cash on repairs already so I either do this myself or I'm boatless AGAIN. :-(<br /><br />-Greg

 

[achris]

Re: 1977 Mercruiser, won't stay in gear

I just got it back from the shop and they did the following work on it:<br />-advance timing belt 5° to 12°<br />-free up and lube choke plate, re-set choke settings<br />-set correct firing order<br />-compression and leakdown test<br />-change plugs<br />-inspect and clean carb<br />-dianostic test electrical, set timing<br />-change coil/points/condenser<br />-change oil/filter

Sounds to me like someone is having a lend of you!<br /><br />1. No mercruiser I have ever heard of has a timing belt.<br />2. 'set correct firing order' What? That's done by putting the plug leads on the right plugs! ie, when the plugs are changed.<br />3. Timing must be set whenever points are changed/adjusted anyway!<br />4. What is 'diagnostic test electrical'? They have just replaced plugs, points, coil, condenser. What else is left?<br /><br />Greg,<br /><br />Find a new shop, fast! If they did all this and didn't check the gear engagement or replace the water pump impeller, find someone who will.....<br /><br />The gear engagement will probably be just an adjustment of the levers. See this link to explain how it's all done..<br /> Engine FAQs. <br /><br />Chris...........

 

[JB]

Re: 1977 Mercruiser, won't stay in gear

Wrong forum, Greg. I will move this to Mercruiser.<br /><br />I agree with AChris. You are being conned/scammed with charges for "work" that doesn't exist.

 

[tommays]

Re: 1977 Mercruiser, won't stay in gear

does it not go into gear at all OR jump out of gear at high RPM<br /><br />if your jumping out of gear at high RPM thats a compleatly different problem<br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[Don S]

Re: 1977 Mercruiser, won't stay in gear

Could be just a spun prop hub. The hubs on the older props had a rubber insert in them. If it breaks loose from the prop, it may hold while at low speed, but then start slipping when you get to higher rpm. It will get progressively worse.<br />The same thing could happen to your engine coupler.<br />Like the others, if you took your boat to a mechanic for this problem and your list is what they went through to correct the problem, they don't have a clue.