Can't Shift Gears when in the Water, Help!!!

liboatguy

Recruit
Joined
Jun 23, 2004
Messages
1
Here is the situation, when the boat is running on land, with the ears on of course, it shifts no problem, when I’m in the water, once in gear I can’t get it back out, I have to shut off the motor to do so. Doesn’t matter, forward or reverse. I rewired the “Shift Cut-Off Switch” and when I push the arm in it kills the motor so I know that piece is good. Did I mention that the tilt doesn’t work!!!!! I blew a hose, which on the older Cruisers (1973) models; you can’t get a wrench on the line that goes out the bottom of the stern. I need to reroute the new custom hoses thru the transom and figure the rest out (any help with that one would be most appreciated also!!!), so I am wondering that since the drive is not locked down, she flies up in reverse, if this could cause geometry problem, thus a alignment problem somewhere. The drive is an old style MR-Alpha 225. Thanks for any insight!!!!
 

Rhadley

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 20, 2003
Messages
236
Re: Can't Shift Gears when in the Water, Help!!!

The shift kill switch only works in the water where there is back pressure from the prop. I suspect that it is not adjusted properly.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,307
Re: Can't Shift Gears when in the Water, Help!!!

you can’t get a wrench on the line that goes out the bottom of the stern.
The Hyd. Manifold unbolts from Under the transom shield, Outside the boat, + you can then change them out........<br />I'm with Rhadley on your Shifting Problem......<br />You Should have a Reverse Lock Valve mounted at the back of the motor.....<br />You need to get this Fixed, While you Still Have U-joints.........<br /><br />1973 would be a Mod. 1, or "R" drive.......
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,417
Re: Can't Shift Gears when in the Water, Help!!!

To elaborate on what Rhadley said. The resistance on the shift cable caused by the transmission (gear) load actuates the cut out switch. I suspect your cut out switch doesn't move easily enough to function properly. Lubricate the plastic "triangle",and tighten until it is just snug, but not tight.
 
Top