Mercruiser 470 Shifting hard into gear when engine is running

[yamhoss86]

My 81 Mercruiser 470 is shifting into gear very hard.
When i try to go from forward to neutral (while the engine is running), i have to shift very hard.
Sometimes it goes from Forward to Reverse in one shift.
It has become very hard for me to dock the boat. Not sure what to check/replace.
Many thanks for all the advice.

 

[yamhoss86]

Re: Mercruiser 470 Shifting hard into gear when engine is running

Bump

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser 470 Shifting hard into gear when engine is running

Ayuh,.... My guess is 1 or more of yer shift cables is bindin',...

Disconnect 'em at the shift switch plate, 'n see,...

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: Mercruiser 470 Shifting hard into gear when engine is running

Most common is a worn lower shift cable which runs from the shift bracket on the engine out to the bellhousing.

How old is yours?