have to rev throttle to get boat in gear

jackofnotrades

Recruit
Joined
Aug 7, 2020
Messages
1
I just got a 2002 Maxum 1800 SRL with 4.3 mercruiser stern drive. When I put it in reverse it feels fine, but when I put it forward it doesn't always engage right away. I have to press the throttle further forward and it revs up more as a result, before it finally thumps into gear, causing the boat to lunge. Any ideas on what my problem might be? I'm deliberate in my motion, I'm not shifting too slow or too fast but this doesn't feel right.
Thanks
 

harringtondav

Commander
Joined
May 26, 2018
Messages
2,476
As AD stated, your lower shift cable is likely bad. You can verify by disconnecting this cable from the shift plate. You should be able to push it reward to engage FWD using your fingers. The cable should slide w/o much force.

If the cable seems OK you can cheat by spinning the barrel nut reward slightly to advance the FWD movement on the cable. But this is a band aid. This will also delay the engagement point for REV. It's a touchy balance, and your cable may be beyond finding this "sweet spot". Also you barrel nut may be pinned. If so it will take a lot of force to get it to spin.
 
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