merc 888 not shifting

[swingline327]

my grandpa and i are working on his old boat and the only thing we are having problems with is it won't shift, seems like the lower cable is stuck.

before we go to far with that i need to know if the switch on that cable bracket on the rear of the engine, left one lookin sternward, has anything to do with the shifting.

 

[13lokei]

Re: merc 888 not shifting

That switch is the interupter switch, its helps the lower unit come in and out of gear while the motor is running only. If you cant shift into fwd or rev while the motor is not running then you do have some problem. Take the lower shift cable loose from braket and pul it out and see if it will go into rev gear, then shove it all the way in and see if it grabs fwd gear. I need more infornation to help anymore, but try doing this and see what happens then i can help you more. Good luck

 

[swingline327]

Re: merc 888 not shifting

the lower cable doesn't move, well it didn't, but it moves a little after penetraiting oil and working it, on or off the shaft. on the the shaft it seems to move almost enough to go into gear. you can feel the detent in the control.

is the solenoid switch on the other side to prevent moving the outdrive up and down while running?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: merc 888 not shifting

merged post. per request.

 

[Bondo]

Re: merc 888 not shifting

the lower cable doesn't move, well it didn't, but it moves a little after penetraiting oil and working it

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,.... You need a New Lower shift cable,... Period...

Go up to the Adults Only section,+ download the Manual for your driveline,...
Everything you need to know about it is in there...

 

[swingline327]

Re: merc 888 not shifting

how much of a job is that to replace, does the whole outdrive have to come off

is there a neat trick to it

i can fix anything but i don't to get into a long expensive job if i can help it, the boat isn't worth a whole lot

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: merc 888 not shifting

A few hundred $$$ in parts, and the better part of a day for a first timer. If I had to guess. You'll need a service manual as well. Best to get a factory manual, but the after markets are better than nothing...almost.....FWIW.

 

[swingline327]

Re: merc 888 not shifting

found a place about an hour and a half from home that had the cable kit in stock, same place that had the transom mounts in stock. also found a couple of other hard to find stuff because of the very helpful and knowledgeable mechanic. he also gave me helpfull tips when i asked about any tricks.

thanks for all your help, we'll get that cable in tomorrow.