1980 mercruiser A1 stuck in nuetral

Skorponay

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Sep 26, 2004
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Just bought 1980 grew weekender with A1 drive. On first trip in the water I was able to put the boat in to reverse then go forward for approx 1 Minute. I placed the engine into nuetral then tried to move forward. I was unable to put the boat back in gear forward or reverse. Is there a easy way to tell if its the shift cable from the remote control box or the cable to the stren drive ?
 

Clams Canino

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Re: 1980 mercruiser A1 stuck in nuetral

Yes, 100 of them in fact. :D <br /><br />All the way from the controller, down through the cables, the shift mech and the lower unit.<br /><br />You're gonna have to be more specific when JB bumps this to the I/O forum. And he will... he's good at keeping this place organized. :) <br /><br />-W
 

Skorponay

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Re: 1980 mercruiser A1 stuck in nuetral

Originally posted by Clams Canino:<br /> Yes, 100 of them in fact. :D <br /><br />All the way from the controller, down through the cables, the shift mech and the lower unit.<br /><br />You're gonna have to be more specific when JB bumps this to the I/O forum. And he will... he's good at keeping this place organized. :) <br /><br />-W
 

Skorponay

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Re: 1980 mercruiser A1 stuck in nuetral

I hope this is more specific. I am hoping to identify or isolate the problem without removing the lower unit.
 

Clams Canino

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Re: 1980 mercruiser A1 stuck in nuetral

Yes... that clears it up. :D <br /><br />Try disconnecting the shift cable where it attaches and move the controller. You should get about 1 1/4 inches of travel each way off neutral.<br /><br />After that, inspect the linkage. If it does not appear to be frozen of it's own accord, it's time to drop the lower unit and take it to the doctor.<br /><br />-W
 

Skorponay

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Re: 1980 mercruiser A1 stuck in nuetral

Do you disconnect the shift cable at the controller or at the pivot point at the engine ?<br /><br />Thanks Sean
 

moderator1

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Re: 1980 mercruiser A1 stuck in nuetral

Moving to I/O troubles and repair.
 

Bondo

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Re: 1980 mercruiser A1 stuck in nuetral

Diagnosis is done "at the pivot point at the engine ?"
 
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