One More MerCruiser Shifting Question

[tonka_shores]

I searched the archives, but didn't find what I needed. I have a 302/888 Merc sterndrive that won't go into reverse. I disconnected the lower shift cable and it works smoothly. While pushing in on it. and turning the prop counter-clockwise, the prop locks into gear. While pulling out on the cable, and turning the prop clockwise, the prop continues to turn, making a clicking noise. Is that a bad cable, or something lower down?

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: One More MerCruiser Shifting Question

could be either, pull the drive and try to manually shift the drive into reverse. if reverse is there , then the cable could be suspect.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: One More MerCruiser Shifting Question

I have the same rig...<br />How old is the cable?<br />I f it worked before & suddenly doesn't, replace the lower shift cable...<br />They really dont just go out of adjustment, they go bad....<br /> try this <br />Hope this helps......JK

 

[74Silverline]

Re: One More MerCruiser Shifting Question

....

 

[74Silverline]

Re: One More MerCruiser Shifting Question

I agree. I have the same setup also. I am currently replacing my lower shift cable. It was starting to get sticky last year.This spring I pulled the lower leg to replace the impeller, and after putting things back together I couldn't get it into reverse either. I suspected the shift cable so a new one is going in.<br />74Silverline

 

[kwoolard]

Re: One More MerCruiser Shifting Question

I have the same setup and for the past two years I wasn't able to get reverse either. Replaced both shift cables, upper and intermediate shift shaft and still no reverse. This year I was reading somewhere that the lower shift shaft, the one that is physicall connected to the shift crank in the lower unit, was made of carbon steel for the Type I drives. Split my outdrive and noticed that the lower shift shaft splines were worn down to nothing. Replaced it with the newer stainless steel version and I am shifting better than ever.<br /><br />The link to the info regarding the shift shaft is below. Split your unit and see if you lower shift shaft splines look like this.....<br /><br /> Lower Shift Shaft

 

[kwoolard]

Re: One More MerCruiser Shifting Question

Also, a method to check if it is the lower shift shaft without splitting the drive(which is the method I used)<br /><br />1) Remove the outdrive<br />2) Turn the intermediate shift shaft clockwise while turning the prop to lock it in forward<br />3) While in gear and keeping pressure on the propshaft to keep it in gear, see how much the intermediate shift shaft rotates. It should be fairly tight with little slop.<br /><br />If it rotates more than 10 degrees or so your lower shift shaft is probably worn or your shift spool is worn. More than likely it is the shift shaft splines that are rusting away.<br /><br />Good luck!