Installed new shift cables, still no reverse

[Hockeydad4-22]

1966 18' Starcraft Starchief with mercruiser 110hp. I inherited this boat late last summer, it is my first experience with boats. it is in excellent condition. Motor runs strong etc. last fall one of the cams in the control broke so I took it apart and replaced the broken parts. The put her away for the winter (yes, full winterization according to my uncle who owned her previously), never had her on the water again till this spring. I brought her home, hooked up the hose, installed the new battery and fired her up. All good. Had her out a few times and lost reverse. She would just grind, like not fully engaging. I could adjust to get reverse, but then lose forward. If I set them to where I had forward, no reverse again. I did some research (including finding this site) and diagnosed that she probably needed new cables (I had no adjustment left after all) so I ordered a service manual, new cables and some bushings for inside the control that had deteriorated. New parts are in, I replaced the cables. Even installed the plastic bushings in the control. Same result. I can have forward or reverse. Not both. What is the secret? What am I missing. Since pics make very thing better Old cables

Motor

 

[Bt Doctur]

If moving this stud (up or down to increase cable travel )does not correct the shift issue, it may be due to a worn shift spool in the lower unit, or excess play in the shift arm or shift shaft.

 

[Fishermark]

Here's a video I did where I tested my shift spool for wear: SHIFT SPOOL TEST.

 

[Hockeydad4-22]

Awesome, thank you so much for the help. I will attempt the adjustments and test tomorrow and post up the results

 

[JerryIrons]

I think adjusting that bolt like BT Doctur said will fix your problem. You will probably have to play around with that bolt, and adjusting the barrel. You can adjust this all on the trailer. In forward or reverse, it ratchets one way, and locks in the other. If it doesn't lock, it will grind when you are on the water. In neutral it should spin freely, with no ratcheting sounds at all in either direction.

 

[Hockeydad4-22]

Thanks gents. As I said, I will work on her tomorrow and post up the results. What she looks like

 

[Hockeydad4-22]

Well after what seemed like an intimate number of adjustments, to every single cable, barrel, and bracket I could find .. No joy! Still can have either forward or reverse. Honestly, I'm really pissed at and disappointed in myself, I have done lots and lots of wrenching, my other hobby is restoring and resto-moddin classic cars. I can pull a 5.0FI from a 96 explorer and install it in a 76 bronco complete and running in a few weekends, but can't figure out how to adjust these cables. I did re-rebuild the control again, I'm confident the issue is not there. Throttle lever works like a dream, but for some reason I get to have forward or reverse, not both. Unless someone has something else to try, I suppose I will be towing her to the boat shop. Thanks again for everyone's help.