Chasing down shifting issues.

[AnthraxBird]

3.0L, boats an 86 18’ Imperial with (I think, serial isn’t visible) the Alpha One Gen One. Shifts just fine out of the water, in the water it grinds trying for reverse. The barrel adjustment wiggles around in the perch a little bit, I’ll fix that. I took the lower unit off and found the intermediate shift shaft has lateral play. Bushing I assume is worn. I’ll attach a video below. Can this cause my issues? There’s little to no play twisting it to go into FWD, N, and R. Thoughts?

 

[Bt Doctur]

that wiggle wont matter. Check the shift spool for excessive wear, also did you follow the instruction in the manual?

 

[Bt Doctur]

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Techbk/94/94hsa2.pdf

 

[AnthraxBird]

Thanks Bt, I’m downloading the manual now. I know in the mid 80’s they had hardness issues on the spool nut. I have about 1/8” play, maybe a tad bit less. Here’s a pic from directly above with pressure on the prop.
https://imgur.com/a/RZlbLJA

 

[AnthraxBird]

Just ran the degree test, says anything over 12, but I have 8 degrees. Should I just replace the shift cable and slap the outdrive back up?