Shift problem alpha I

SS MAYFLOAT

Admiral
Joined
May 17, 2001
Messages
6,372
After changing all the boots, impeller, and gimbal bearing, I can't get the linkage to shift correctly. If I can get forward, the reverse won't work, when the reverse engages, the foward don't work. I've had it adjusted where it does the clicking on forward and reverse, but they just won't engage. I've tried just about every adjustment possible.<br /><br />It appears that the main cable coming back from the shifter does not have enough throw to it. It won't even engage the neutral saftey switch.<br /><br />For test purpose, I put the main shift cable shield mount on the same post as the lower unit cable. With this config, it has enough throw, but is in a bind. I do not plan to operate the boat this way of course.<br /><br />The linkage was okay prior to this, I just don't know what happened to prevent proper adjustment. Any ideas? I don't want to modify it from its manufactured design. Thanks
 

sculbert

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 22, 2004
Messages
160
Re: Shift problem alpha I

That is a strange situation. You must have gotten the shiftcable engaged properly on the outdrive or you wouldn't be able to get it to shift to both gears. thinking of this seems like you are in the right area then. Do you have a service manual that explains the adjustments for that section?
 

SS MAYFLOAT

Admiral
Joined
May 17, 2001
Messages
6,372
Re: Shift problem alpha I

Nope :( no manual. I'm not a marine mechanic, but mechanically inclined. I've done this procedure probably 20 to 25 times in the past 20 years. Never have I had a problem like this. <br /><br />It is a friends boat that I'm helping with. The lower shift cable (with the main shfter cable unhooked) can be moved in and out of gear with your pinky finger. So there is not binding or rough spots in the cable. I intalled this cable 2 years ago and is like new. He has only put about 15 hours on it since install.<br /><br />When I unhooked the lower cable, I did count the number of turns on the adjustments and put them back the same as it was when I undid them. This is the area in which it trys to go into forward and in reverse, but does not have enough throw to completely engage them. Weird to say the utmost.<br /><br />I'm goint to check for play in the cable at the shifter next. That is going to be a pain due to its location :(
 

qystan

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 26, 2004
Messages
291
Re: Shift problem alpha I

One possibility is too much freeplay in the lower drive shiftshaft.<br /><br />Merc has a freeplay check procedure. Can't find it in the book at the moment. Let me know if you need it.
 

Rickles

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 24, 2004
Messages
101
Re: Shift problem alpha I

The shift spool may be worn not allowing to shift full travel in both directions.Only way to check it out properly is to tear down the lower gear housing.
 

SS MAYFLOAT

Admiral
Joined
May 17, 2001
Messages
6,372
Re: Shift problem alpha I

End play on the prop shaft is fine. Shifting worked excellent prior to this. After messing with it some more, I found a bushing missing in the cable coming from the shifter. I made a busing to take up the play. This did help, but I need a bit more. Planning to pull the shifter today to see what is up within it.<br /><br />When the lower shift cable is moved to forward or reverse, the unit will engage in either direction. It is only when the shift cable from the shift handle is hooked up is when it won't engage in either direction. I think there is too much play yet in the shift handle. I'll post my findings later. Thanks......
 

sculbert

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 22, 2004
Messages
160
Re: Shift problem alpha I

SS what are you working on? I may be able to scan in the pages from my manual if you need them. That is assumming I have amanual for your boat. I only have Merc Manuals.
 
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