Shift cable reverse

[tanker7203]

Ok
A few weeks back I had a problem wouldn't shift. Well it ended up the out drive was toast. I had it replaced ( used drive) and the mechanic adjusted the shift cable. (Now I know I need a new one but I'm trying to get through this season). It shifts fine in forward but when I put it in reverse it stalls unless I really shift it fast and then it jolts back(Like hitting the gass while dropping the clutch) I have been reading on adjusting the shift cable do I need to adjust he forward, before the reverse or can I make a simple nut adjustment. This is my first year with the boat and I am trying to learn these things. You guys have been helpfull and I hope next year to change the shift cable my self. Any advise would help.

 

[dubs283]

Re: Shift cable reverse

6" between the center of the brass trunion to the center of the hole on the shift cable end in fully locked FWD gear

turn the trunion four turns towards the cable end and install - don't do this if you have a shift assist assy

set the remote cable in FWD to slide onto the sifter assy with ease

test FWD/N/REV shifting

if the drive still does not shift smoothly, put the shift cable end at the MIDDLE of the slot on the shift assy

if you need more REV, put the end at the top of the slot

 

[rlambert]

Re: Shift cable reverse

Not sure what make and model we are talking about but my mercruiser alpha one has this same issue. I know it's not an adjustment issue because my shift cable is adjusted fine and worked for a while so I really think the lower shift cable gets corroded over time. I'll let you know what I find out.

 

[john744]

Re: Shift cable reverse

I suppose the correct answer would depend on the stern drive make and model. Can't speak for Mercruiser, but OMC Cobra's are a finiky machine. If this is what you've got, please look at Stuart Hasting's web site devoted to the Cobra shifting problem. Also take a look at my post:

86 Cobra Stuck in Reverse, wait there's more.

Good Luck!

 

[tanker7203]

Re: Shift cable reverse

It is a Alpha 1 drive. I had it out on the lake today and this is what happens: If I start the boat at the dock and shift into reverse it stalls and dies. But if I shift it into reverse back to neutral start it then shift reverse no problem. I can then just shift in to fwd and no problems. It also occurs if I am in fwd and go to neutral and try to shift in rev it dies. But shut it off shift it rev back to neutral then rev no problems. It worked fine before the drive change and adjustment is it the shift interupterany thoughts or fixes?

 

[EddiePetty]

Re: Shift cable reverse

It is a Alpha 1 drive. I had it out on the lake today and this is what happens: If I start the boat at the dock and shift into reverse it stalls and dies. But if I shift it into reverse back to neutral start it then shift reverse no problem. I can then just shift in to fwd and no problems. It also occurs if I am in fwd and go to neutral and try to shift in rev it dies. But shut it off shift it rev back to neutral then rev no problems. It worked fine before the drive change and adjustment is it the shift interupterany thoughts or fixes?

...classic symptoms of a defective lower shift cable.....no way around it....replace it and quit wasting the season.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Shift cable reverse

It worked fine before the drive change and adjustment is it the shift interupterany thoughts or fixes?

Ayuh,... The Only fix is lower cable Replacement....

 

[tanker7203]

Re: Shift cable reverse

Ok twist my arm
But seriously every one has helped so much. So What will I need to change the lower shift able? How do I change the lower shift cable and how long would it take? Also Could I get by with a few more trips to the lake?

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: Shift cable reverse

Had the same issue with mine and almost wasted my motor by trying to get by. Best thing is to replace the cable. we did it in one evening after work. One thing a mechanic told me is you want it to shift sonner in Rev that in foward becouse people tend to ease it into Rev. So i adjusted the barrell on mine two turns toward the end of the cable. And i have had no issues since. Good Luck