Merc 120i/o Sterndrive shift troubles

Guy Cooper

Recruit
Joined
Aug 9, 2004
Messages
3
OK So we got the engine problem sorted by replacing the carb with a re-man. then discovered the balance weights in the distributor were sticking so we fixed that too! NOW! We are having trouble with the shifter, the sterndrive is a 1975 model (MR?) not sure of the type. Serial is 4426677. It has a mind of its own in as far as it refuses to come out of FORWARD on occasion and the only way to fix this is to either stop the motor or raise the drive into the trailer position. I've fiddled with the cable adjustments and all that and now we get problems getting the drive to engage properly. You can hear it grinding trying to engage and one has to give the shift cable an extra pull to get it to go in. It really is acting weird - just wonderd if anyone has had the same trouble before I go on a process of elimination spree and put lots of $$ across the local Merc shop's parts counter!
 

Elk Chaser

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 29, 2003
Messages
186
Re: Merc 120i/o Sterndrive shift troubles

Replace the shift cable from the engine to the drive if adjusting does not work, it's much more likely it has problems than the shift cable from the throttle to the engine. <br /><br />Been there done that (nearly the same symptoms) on a 165HP Alpha, replaced the shift cable and it worked perfect from then on.
 
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