Hard shifting.

[willieq]

Mercruiser, 1993,3.0, After I run boat for about 20 to 30 min the shifting between neutral forward and reverse gets very hard. When the boat is cold the shifting works fine. Lower oil level is good and lube is new. Any help? Thanks..

 

[dubs283]

Re: Hard shifting.

what is the idle speed??

 

[Bondo]

Re: Hard shifting.

Ayuh,... Just a guess,..... Check the routing of the lower shift cable, 'n make sure it clears the exhaust down-pipe....

 

[willieq]

Re: Hard shifting.

About the idle, I got the boat late last season and I don't remember what the idle was. I have the lower unit off changing the waterpump so I cant start today and see. I take it if the idle is to high this will affect shifting? I didn't think of that. At what rpm will this effect shifting, and what rpm should idle be st? Thanks..? Also I will check the cable.

 

[dubs283]

Re: Hard shifting.

idle is usually set at 650-700 rpm in gear with the engine at normal operating temp (warm)

but check the oem manual for your specific engine to be sure - there may be a tag on the flame arrestor cover or valve cover with engine info as well

if you are having cold engine runability issues/hard starting it may be time for a tune-up