3 litre engine stalls when put into forward gear

[skipbehr]

engine starts and idles fine and goes in reverse but when it is shifted into forward engine stalls ?Can neutral switch be bypassed I think this is the problem or is it a cable problem.
sorry about the double posting (old fingers)

 

[Condor1970]

Most likely a cable adjustment problem. How old is the cable?

If it is old, then it could be getting hung up in the cable housing from dirt buildup, or the inner sleeve is worn out over the years. When the cable gets hung up, it may shift into forward gear, but it will push the cut out switch into ground, and the stuck cable won't allow it to re-center itself after the gears dog into the clutch. If this is the case, then you will need to replace your shift cable.

 

[Fishermark]

^^^ Yep. The problem is not the shift interrupt switch. It is working just fine. It is either a poorly adjusted cable or a bad cable. The switch should not activate when going into gear. And if you disconnect the switch you will have great difficulty in getting out of gear.

 

[Rick Stephens]

I just went through figuring out the same problem. Turns out the previous owner had increased the lower shift cable travel by moving the adjustable pin on the lever to the longest travel setting. That much travel meant that the interrupt switch would engage even though the shifting was correct and the cable in new condition.

The way to adjust this is to start from the beginning and follow the directions exactly. Disconnect throttle cable from carburetor so you don't pump gas. Check upper cable throw dimensions exactly. Check lower throw exactly.

achris has an excellent video that is a gret place to start. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-s_tgevX2aI

Once you go through it you will get a much better understanding of how it all works together. No replacement to having the correct Mercruiser manual in front of you while you do it. Invaluable.

Rick

 

[skipbehr]

thanks to the replys and diagnostics much appreciated looks by the replys it is a hung up cable. ( probably worn it is old) )