Cannot shift into F or R

[Kevin215]

Have a year 2000 Mercruiser 5.7 carborated with an Alpha 1, generation 2. I had just had the starter rebuilt, changed the plugs, new wires from battery to ground and from battery to starter. Started right up on muffs in my driveway shifted into forward and engine died. Started it back up and I could not shift it into forward or reverse. I can push the neutral button and move the shifter but it will not move without nuetral button engaged, even when the engine is shut off. Any thoughts? Oh, I have never had a problem with this engine before. It has never been in salt water, always is winterized by dealer, has gear lube and waterpump was replaced this year. I have never put muffs on this boat in 8 years until today.

 

[cyril420]

Re: Cannot shift into F or R

First you shouldn't dry shift them. Next you have to take the drive off and try shifting it by hand. If that works the drive is fine. Next you have to take the cables off the engine and try shifting them. If either are tight you must replace them

 

[Don S]

Re: Cannot shift into F or R

I would start by disconnecting the helm control cable at the engine. Then see if you can shift the control. If it works, move the the drives cable (lower shift cable). If that checks out, then move to the lower shift cable.
Disconnect the cable and see if you can push and pull the cable easily. If not pull the drive and recheck the cable, the upper shift shaft movement in the bellhousing, and the drive itself.

 

[Kevin215]

Re: Cannot shift into F or R

Don...Thankyou,

I disconnected the control cables at the engine and the control shifter still would not move. I could easily move the lower cable that goes to the drive by hand; does this mean that the drive is fine? I could not move the cable that went back to the control helm at all (this is the cable that engages it in gear right?) OK, then I hooked everything back up and for a few times could shift into F and R; however it was very hard to move the control when it did move...then it quit again and wouldn't engage F or R. So is it just the cable from the control to the gear engager.

 

[Don S]

Re: Cannot shift into F or R

It's either a bad shifter or bad cable. ONLY way to find out is take the cable off the control and see if the control works. Cables with really sharp bends tend to wear out and bind up quicker than cables with long sweeping curves.

 

[Kevin215]

Re: Cannot shift into F or R

Thanks Don,
bad cable for sure; even know it has a long and even bend to it. Guess I wont be skiing this weekend but will have it ready for the 4th of July.

Thanks to all for advice.
Kevin C
Louisiana
19 foot Vindicator

 

[buggiedad_67]

Re: Cannot shift into F or R

where at in louisiana west monroe here.