yet another mercruiser shift question

[thefishinguy]

here whats goin on. I have "all kinds" of foward when shifted into it. I measured the hole to barrel at 6" in foward and can "stand" on the prop in foward. But in reverse i have only clicking untill i pull the cable so tight that it depress the easy shift switch and kills motor. did I over look something or am i in for a more costly (time and money wise) repair. 1973 inline 6 merc with alpha one? (just got it and haven't scraped 30 yrs of paint off serial number) was told alpha by prevvious owner

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: yet another mercruiser shift question

Hey Fishinguy..
Somethings not lined up right on the cable..I am new to Mercruisers myself and just joined this site last week for help myself.
Here is a link to another thread where you can download the Merc Manual, posted by the master Don S.
I wish I was of more help.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=251571

 

[Don S]

Re: yet another mercruiser shift question

IF you can only adjust it to get one gear, then it probably just needs a new lower shift cable. Could be the shift spool in the drive, but usually it's just the cable.
You want manual #1 from the link below, it's a big one, just over 1GB.

Also, you have what is known as a One drive, not an Alpha I. The Alpha I's didn't come out till 85. The One is very similar, but the shift plates are different from the Alphas.