Optimax shift adjustment

[bassbama]

05/200 Optimax Merc flush mount control. Having trouble going from forward or reverse back into neutral. There is no grinding of gears at any time, just a lot of resistance. Cable is ok, idle is ok at neutral and when in gear. I don't think it is the hand control because when I go to put it in neutral (from forward or reverse position with the engine at idle) and it hangs up, I can shut off the engine and try it - and it goes smoothly right into neutral. Is there an adjustment on the engine I can do?

 

[bassbama]

Re: Optimax shift adjustment

^

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Optimax shift adjustment

Disconnect the cable at the engine. Then operate the side mount control to see if it feels the same, more free, the same etc. If it feels the same, the problem is in the control or cable. If its now very free, the problem is likely in either adjustment or in the engine. Manually move the engine shift lever. You need someone to turn the prop while doing this. If its binding, the problem is in the engine. If its free, put both the side mount control and engine shift lever in neutra. Bring the cable end up to the shift lever. If the attachment points are not exactly lined up, adjust the trunion (the barrel on the threaded part of the cable) so the attachement lines up exactly with the shift lever. Connect the cable and try again. If you have to move either the cable or shift lever to mate the two, you still have it wrong.