Merc "Quicksilver" Shift Control Box Issue

Joined
Sep 9, 2010
Messages
16
Can use some helpful advise folks!
I have to adjust the "gear shift throw" on the linkage of my Quicksilver Controller, 85 Merc 150 XR2, 84 Ranger 350V.

It shifts fine going into reverse, but is a little rough going into forward, unless I rev the motor a few RPMs which I do not care to do.

I am 99% sure the adjustment needs to be made at the controller box location, which is mounted inside the hull. I have already checked the adjustment on the motor head and with the linkage disconnected, it shifts fine into both forward and reverse.

QUESTION?
How the h..l does one remove the control lever from the control box so they can adjust the linkage on the control box located inside the hull?

The lever is lose on the spline which I can jiggle, but I can not for the life of me figure out how to remove it.

All knowledge and experiences are appreciated!

Thanks
 

aussieflash

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Feb 5, 2011
Messages
1,004
Re: Merc "Quicksilver" Shift Control Box Issue

what control box you got?Im guessing a commander 2000 or 3000.Recently pulled my 2000 apart.Post a pic of your quick box.
 
Joined
Sep 9, 2010
Messages
16
Re: Merc "Quicksilver" Shift Control Box Issue

what control box you got?Im guessing a commander 2000 or 3000.Recently pulled my 2000 apart.Post a pic of your quick box.

Here are 3 pics of the unit. I do not know which model it is.

Thanks
 

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Big flop

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Apr 6, 2011
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290
Re: Merc "Quicksilver" Shift Control Box Issue

Under the handle there is a set screw.
The bottom center of the loose part.
 
Joined
Sep 9, 2010
Messages
16
Re: Merc "Quicksilver" Shift Control Box Issue

Thanks, I will look for it and let you know how I made out...
 

aussieflash

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Feb 5, 2011
Messages
1,004
Re: Merc "Quicksilver" Shift Control Box Issue

Sorry don't know that model.Is the throttle/shift linkage inside the gunwale?My shift is all in the box....good luck.
 

Faztbullet

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 2, 2008
Messages
15,931
Re: Merc "Quicksilver" Shift Control Box Issue

There is no adjustments in the box, just cams and levers. The adjustments are on the cables at engine.
 
Joined
Sep 9, 2010
Messages
16
Re: Merc "Quicksilver" Shift Control Box Issue

Thanks to all the replies!

Yes, one can see in the 3 pics above the box is mounted behind the interior hull wall. I am leaning to believe that the shift cable has loosened up and is sliding a bit on the box end. A previous owner installed a Hot Foot in the boat at one time and may have reinstalled the box improperly with the shift cable not securely tightened after the Hot Foot application.

Will let you all know what I find soon...
 
Joined
Sep 9, 2010
Messages
16
Re: Merc "Quicksilver" Shift Control Box Issue

Well, that kinda sucks then, sounds like the clutch gear in the lower unit of the transmission then...
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: Merc "Quicksilver" Shift Control Box Issue

You are not paying attention. Cable adjustments are on the engine -- not in the lower uinit.
1) Remove the engine cover.
2) Locate the two cables (throttle and shift.)
3) Put control box lever in NEUTRAL.
4) Disconnect both cables (Note which is which).
5) Ensure throttle/shift lever is in NEUTRAL (Yes - again).
6) Move the lever ON THE ENGINE to verify it is in NEUTRAL
7) Bring the attachment point on the cable end up to the attachment point on the engine shift lever. DO NOT push or pull or attempt to connect it. If the two points don't line up exactly, adjust the trunion (the threaded barrel) until they do. Attach the cable.
8) Repeat the process for the throttle cable holding the throttle against the idle stop.

Thats all the adjustment there is.
 
Joined
Sep 9, 2010
Messages
16
Re: Merc "Quicksilver" Shift Control Box Issue

I know about the adjustments under the motor covers, Been there, Done that! I know it is not in the linkage adjustment on the power head.

Are there not 2 nuts on each cable at the box end where the cables go into the box?

One nut should be on the inside of the box and one on the outside of the box on each cable to keep them secure so they do not slip on the box when moving the lever???????

I do not have a throttle cable going to the box because I have a HOT FOOT installed. But, I do have free play in the shifter cable when moving it to the forward position. No play when shifting into reverse

Now, who is not paying attention? LOL!
 

Big flop

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 6, 2011
Messages
290
Re: Merc "Quicksilver" Shift Control Box Issue

If the shift cable has a threaded end at the
motor with a adaptor screwed on then
the control box will look the same and
can be adjusted. If it's a mercury cable,
Then no adjustment. But when it's apart
you can check for worn or loose parts.
Also check the cable for wear, to much
end to end play.
 
Joined
Sep 9, 2010
Messages
16
Re: Merc "Quicksilver" Shift Control Box Issue

OK, that's what I am hoping for!

In an earlier response, you mentioned:
"Under the handle there is a set screw. The bottom center of the loose part"

Now, do you mean on the bottom of the lever in the spline shaft area and what did you mean by "loose part"?

Is the set screw visible or hidden?

I had no luck in locating a set screw around any part of the handle which mounts on the spline...

Thanks
 

Big flop

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 6, 2011
Messages
290
Re: Merc "Quicksilver" Shift Control Box Issue

I called it the loose part because you said it
jiggled on the splines?
The set screw is in the shift handle bottom
and runs up into the splines.
6 o'clock position.
Put the shift lever full forward it will
be easer to see. 3 o'clock position.
 
Joined
Sep 9, 2010
Messages
16
Re: Merc "Quicksilver" Shift Control Box Issue

Very Good!
Hope to find it this time..
Thank you so much and will let you know how I make out!
 
Joined
Sep 9, 2010
Messages
16
Re: Merc "Quicksilver" Shift Control Box Issue

Finally found the set screw and after moving the handle as suggested. The trick was to turn the mounting bracket also until it lined up with a groove to get to the set screw. Haven't moved the box yet to work on it, but I could see one cable was sitting at a different position than the other in the forward shift location.

Thanks to all!
 

cjgreene1

Cadet
Joined
May 19, 2012
Messages
11
Re: Merc "Quicksilver" Shift Control Box Issue

I know this is an older thread but I was wondering if you ever found out what model Box this was I have the same one and I am havin issues with the throttle only button not working but can't find a diagram or starting point bc I don't know what model it is it's on a 1981 Four winns with a 140 hp merc I/o
 
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