MC1 - Cant select Reverse.

[Rake722]

Hi all,

Still having issues with reverse a year on and wanted to recap and sanity check what can be done to determine if its the shift cable adjustment, shift cable wear or if I have a lower unit problem.

So to recap,

We have an MC1 Sterndrive coupled with a 470 motor.

Forward selection is fine
Neutral began to move to past the neutral notch and a little in the reverse direction - Cable issue ?
Then full back for revers - non engagement - clatter.

If I pull the lower unit and engage reverse on the shift shaft, I can get it in reverse at the end of the shafts travel - but not via the remote control.

I have tried to adjust the lower unit cable according to the 6 inch rule and slipped the anchor stud all the way from its lower position to its upper - still clatter and no reverse.

There is no slop in the brass barrel and retainer.

I wonder if you kind gents can list all the checks required to trouble shoot this. I saw ChrisA has listed places where slop can enter in to the system on another post but no details of how to determine which part is at fault.

One question - if I can engage reverse with the lower unit off using the shift shaft and splined cover - does this mean the lower unit is ok ?

Many thanks again.

Ron.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... It sounds like it's time for a new lower shift cable,....

The inner cable wears a groove in the outer casin', causin' excess slop,....

 

[Rake722]

Thanks, any way to test this before purchasing ?

 

[Bt Doctur]

If you have done all the specific tests including the shift spool test then go with the new cable

 

[Rake722]

If you have done all the specific tests including the shift spool test then go with the new cable

Not done the shift spool test - please elaborate ?

 

[Bt Doctur]

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6C1R3.PDF

 

[Bt Doctur]

You may have to drop the lower unit to check it . I use a socket on the splined shaft and shift into fwd(fully clockwise) holding tension on the prop shaft CCW try to move the socket CCW. Movement indicates a worn shift spool . Another loose area is where the brass lower shoe goes on to the splined shaft.
see page 3C-26 http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6C3R3.PDF

 

[Rake722]

You may have to drop the lower unit to check it . I use a socket on the splined shaft and shift into fwd(fully clockwise) holding tension on the prop shaft CCW try to move the socket CCW. Movement indicates a worn shift spool . Another loose area is where the brass lower shoe goes on to the splined shaft.
see page 3C-26 http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6C3R3.PDF

Thank you.

I went down today and found the remote control jammed - no forward or reverse.

Time to drop the lower units and check whats going on there. It may just be a jam - will update when I have more info.

 

[stonyloam]

If it is jammed in neutral you need to drop the lower before you pull the upper. That is because the intermediate shift shaft is not pointing straight ahead and will not slide out of the upper shift shaft without damage. Dropping the lower separates the two.