Cannot Get Shift Cable Properly Adjusted

[pamlicopanther]

I have a 2002 Mercury 150 I have been fixing up. I have her running great and put it out to try in the water this past weekend. When I put it in reverse to back off the trailer I realized I had no reverse. I then tried forward to see if it would work. It would grind just a little, but not go into gear.

I loaded it up and brought it back. I disconnected the shift cable and I can get it to shift into forward and reverse by turning the piece on top of the lower unit. I thought that I simply needed to adjust the cable. I adjusted the barrel to where it would go into forward, but it still would not go into reverse. By the time I adjusted it to where it goes into reverse it throws the forward adjustment off.

So, any suggestions on what I should try next? I have read the cable can stretch over time. Is there a way to check it to make sure that is definitely the problem?

Thanks for any help.

 

[jeffersondodson561]

Re: Cannot Get Shift Cable Properly Adjusted

BTW for best results post you serial number not your model year...
Yes cables can stretch, you need equal throw in both directions, I do it by taking you hand and hold up the three finger. Middle finger is going to be N, ring finger is going to FWD and index is going to be REV. On the trailer, move the shifter slowly into FWD, mark point with ring finger where you feel gear engage move back to N. If you have a stainless prop wait for it to lose momentum, move shifter toward reverse, when gear engagement felt mark point with index finger. Look at finger placement, adjust barrell as necessary, shifter moves towards bow in FWD and to stern for reverse for standard rotation models.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Cannot Get Shift Cable Properly Adjusted

If adjustment per the directions posted fail to cure your shifting, replace the cable, then readjust.

The cable housing wears 'grooves' inside from the wire rubbing, allowing a slight sideways movement of the wire, which in turn limits the total wire travel at the motor and we get these shifting problems.

Change the cable, get a quality cable, not necessarily the cheapest available, but they last much longer.

 

[Maxz695]

Re: Cannot Get Shift Cable Properly Adjusted

I find that when setting my cable adjustment I put the throttle in reverse and put the slider to full reverse position adjust the cable for that setting and then secure the cable. Then I test the rest of the gears neutral and then fowards. If you cannot get forwards then yes replace the cable. The only other thing I can think of is a malfunction in the throttle

 

[pamlicopanther]

Re: Cannot Get Shift Cable Properly Adjusted

Thanks for everyones help.

Something I had not considered is that I did have to open the control box and connect the cable to it. I will double check the connections and make sure all is correct there. I will then try these tips for attaching the cable at the motor and adjusting the barrel. If none of these work I will order a cable.

Thanks again for all the help.

 

[pamlicopanther]

Re: Cannot Get Shift Cable Properly Adjusted

I opened up the control box and disconnected the cable. I tried pulling it by putting a screwdriver through the hole and pulling with my hand. I still could not get it to move enough to engage the gears. I assume the only thing to do now is replace the cable.

I have read that not properly replacing the lower unit after a water pump change could cause shift problems. How could that cause it to not go in gear properly?

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Cannot Get Shift Cable Properly Adjusted

If you can manually shift at the motor with the cable disconnected, you put it back together correctly.

 

[pamlicopanther]

Re: Cannot Get Shift Cable Properly Adjusted

If you can manually shift at the motor with the cable disconnected, you put it back together correctly.

That is good to know. I thought I did it right, but I wanted to be sure.

I am ordering a cable today and hopefully that will fix my problem.

 

[pamlicopanther]

Re: Cannot Get Shift Cable Properly Adjusted

Well, I feel silly. I was measuring to get the proper cable length and saw that the cable was in a spot where it was getting resistance. I relocated the cable and now it works perfect.

Thanks for everyones help.