290DP Can get forward or reverse but can't get both

kinger2111

Cadet
Joined
Apr 27, 2012
Messages
9
My 290dp has a problem. When I run it on muffs out of the water I can select forward and then reverse with no problem. In the water I can get forward gear but not reverse. If I adjust the cable , I can get reverse but not forward. So far I have fitted a new cable, and followed the correct adjustment procedure . can anyone help please
 

captmello

Captain
Joined
Jun 30, 2008
Messages
3,855
I would start by pulling the shift cover and seeing how the shift linkage moves while someone is moving the throttle at the helm. Is it moving the linkage the full distance to shift into fwd and rev? Is it hanging up? is the cable secured correctly to the front of the outdrive?
 

kinger2111

Cadet
Joined
Apr 27, 2012
Messages
9
Hi thanks for reply. I have had the shift cover off and put the control lever in neutral. Positioned the shift arm at the neutral position and adjusted the cable. My friend selects forward gear on Morse control , it moves shift arm and engages forward. Prop locks up within one turn. He selects neutral, all OK.he then selects reverse, shift arm goes to reverse position and prop locks within two turns. When boat is floating select forward gear ,it drives . select neutral , fine. select reverse and there is no drive. If I adjust the cable with a bias to reverse , then reverse is fine , but forward gear will not engage unless engine is revved up and then may go in with a clunk.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
51,243
check the shift linkage bushings (they do wear out). out of curiosity, how old is your shift cable?
 

kinger2111

Cadet
Joined
Apr 27, 2012
Messages
9
Hi it's a new cable. Replaced as this problem started last august, and was advised to change it so did it over winter. I have removed the selector shoe and there is no wear to that either. It's as if there is not enough cable travel
 

PatinIdaho

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 7, 2014
Messages
405
I bet your cable is not moving far enough. At your shifter if you can move the cable out 1 hole i bet that would get it working.
 

Outsider

Lieutenant Junior Grade
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Apr 24, 2007
Messages
1,022
Just did an R and R on a Morse MT-2. Make sure the cable is in the outside hole of the shift plate for max cable travel (between the two plates, *** down). On the MT-2, the cable plug can only go in one way. And that's different from some Morse clones ... ;)
 

kinger2111

Cadet
Joined
Apr 27, 2012
Messages
9
Thanks guys . Just looked at a MT-3 manual and will try the shift adjustment . It says long, medium, and short throw can be set. I'm sure that is probably the way to go. Will let you know the outcome
 

kinger2111

Cadet
Joined
Apr 27, 2012
Messages
9
Checked the travel on th MT3 control. There are three notches for adjustment . It was on the longest throw position. Went back to shift adjuster removed and checked for wear to shift shoe and operation. All ok. Reassembled and adjusted cable. Tried this morning and engages forward. And neutral. Doesn't quite engage Reverse straight away. But will engage if you increase revs to 1200rpm with a bit of a clunk. Not sure what else I can do now. Any more ideas guys
 
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