1988 Bravo 1 Not going into gear

Nedlucas

Recruit
Joined
Feb 11, 2022
Messages
2
Hi - At the end of last season (on my very last ride) my Cobalt 21BR gave me a hard time going into gear. Couldn't get it into reverse and once I got it into forward, I had very little throttle throw. The black plastic center piece on the throttle arm won't pop out. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.
 

tpenfield

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 18, 2011
Messages
18,452
Greetings and welcome to iBoats.

Have the Moderators move your post to the Mercruiser section, since you are talking about a Bravo 1.

It is not clear if you are having a problem with the shifter/throttle control lever thingy or the outdrive itself. Check your control mechanism and the shift adjustment at the engine (there is a special too for checking/adjusting the shift linkage)

If it turns out to be the outdrive, then there is a common repair item as the cone clutch within the Bravo ages, becomes glazed, and does not engage properly. There is a 'poor man's ' fix and then the prescribed fix, which is to replace the clutch & gear set in the upper portion of the outdrive.

B.T.D.T. and I chose the poor man's approach.
 
Last edited:

Nedlucas

Recruit
Joined
Feb 11, 2022
Messages
2
Greetings and welcome to iBoats.

Have the Moderators move your post to the Mercruiser section, since you are talking about a Bravo 1.

It is not clear if you are having a problem with the shifter/throttle control lever thingy or the outdrive itself. Check your control mechanism and the shift adjustment at the engine (there is a special too for checking/adjusting the shift linkage)

If it turns out to be the outdrive, then there is a common repair item as the cone clutch within the Bravo ages, becomes glazed, and does not engage properly. There is a 'poor man's ' fix and then the prescribed fix, which is to replace the clutch & gear set in the upper portion of the outdrive.

B.T.D.T. and I chose the poor man's approach.
Thanks for the suggestions. I’ve requested the thread be moved. Also, what is the poor man’s fix you mentioned?
 

alldodge

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
43,221
It has been moved

The issue I'm having is what parts your talking about
The black plastic center piece on the throttle arm won't pop out

If the above is actually what the issue is, then its a control issue and not a Merc one.
If the button wont pop out then need to get into the throttle handle
 
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