Engine stalls when shifting back to neutral

[rmurray]

I have a Mercruiser 5.7L 260HP Alpha One. The boat seems to be running at the proper idle (fully serviced recently), however, when shifting from forward/reverse into nuetral, the idle drops very low for just a split second before coming up again. 50% of the time, the engine will stall. This can cause frustration when trying to make quick maneuvers at the dock. It almost seems like, during the transition to neutral, the gas gets cut off for just a split second. It seems like it happens more often when coming out of reverse. Is this an easy fix or something more complex? Any suggestions are most welcome. Thanks!

 

[Don S]

Re: Engine stalls when shifting back to neutral

The lower shift cable is beginning to get stiff and causing the shift interrupt switch to be held in too long. Now is the time to replace it, it's not going to get any better, but will get worse.

 

[cooter2506]

Re: Engine stalls when shifting back to neutral

Sounds like a lower shift cable to me. I had same thing with mine. If you have a OEM service manual that can tell you how to replace it or it could be just out of adjustment. But from seeing a bunch of posts on this if it hasnt been changed in a while it should be. Im sure Don (THE MAN) will chime in on this one.

 

[cooter2506]

Re: Engine stalls when shifting back to neutral

Boy I must type slower than Don, lol he beat me to it

 

[rmurray]

Re: Engine stalls when shifting back to neutral

Is it an easy fix for an experienced DIYer? I have to get a manual...

 

[Don S]

Re: Engine stalls when shifting back to neutral

What year is it?

 

[cooter2506]

Re: Engine stalls when shifting back to neutral

I did mine and it is my first boat I ever owned. Was relatively easy. There is a special tool you need for the nut on the outdrive. But get yourself a manual a good one, not seloc or clymer but an OEM. That will tell you everything you need to know

 

[rmurray]

Re: Engine stalls when shifting back to neutral

1987

 

[Don S]

Re: Engine stalls when shifting back to neutral

Here is a link to the online Mercruiser service manual for your drive.
http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf
To use it, just scroll to the last page (manual outline) and click on the LETTER of the section you want to view.

 

[rmurray]

Re: Engine stalls when shifting back to neutral ...HELP DON!

Re: Engine stalls when shifting back to neutral ...HELP DON!

The lower shift cable is beginning to get stiff and causing the shift interrupt switch to be held in too long. Now is the time to replace it, it's not going to get any better, but will get worse.

Don, I am finally completing this job. I familiarized myself with the cables yesterday, and I want to make sure you were referring to the Drive Unit Shift Cable when you said the Lower Shift Cable? This is the lower of the two cables that are mounted to the shift plate (cables run from remote control to shift plate). I'm just a newb making sure I am not misunderstanding anything. It looks like a fairly simple procedure having read through the manual. Thanks again for your assistance.

 

[Don S]

Re: Engine stalls when shifting back to neutral ...HELP DON!

Re: Engine stalls when shifting back to neutral ...HELP DON!

The cable from the shift plate on the engine to the outdrive.

 

[rmurray]

Re: Engine stalls when shifting back to neutral

Does this require removing the outdrive? I was hoping this was going to be easy.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Engine stalls when shifting back to neutral

Yes, you will need to remove the outdrive......
Which is not that hard.....(6 bolts on the bell housing & 2 on the trim rams)....
You will need to loosen the two at the front of the trim rams as well....
Removing the drive & lubing the u joints is a yearly task at the very least as part of preventative maint., so ya better get used to it.....
Don't forget to put the shifter in fwd for drive removal & install.....​