Merc 1150 reverse gear problem

[gregtobin]

Just got a new-to-me boat with a Mercury 1150 (1975?).
I'd like to make some adjustments on the throttle.
The biggest problem is that the reverse gear doesn't engage until the lever is pulled back about 2/3. The engine has started to rev at this point and the motor clunks abruptly into Reverse. Is there a cable adjustment for this or is it electrical?

Next issue is that the forward gears engage, but the boat has no real power until the lever is pushed forward at least 2/3 of the way to the full ahead position. Again,is this a stretched cable? Do I adjust at the controls or at the motor?

The tach doesn't work. Perhaps it's missing a wire or it has a broken wire. I know how to put a tach onto a car, but can someone give me a brief description for the boat?

Thanks very much!!
Greg
Frederick, MD

 

[steelespike]

Re: Merc 1150 reverse gear problem

You may find more help at Johns Old Mercury Web Site.
Excellent forum and great links.
From your discription I would guess an adjustment.
It appears reverse throttle is early and forward is late.
If you observe the throttle action you may be able to figure the adjustment out.
By the way don't shift at the incresed speed any more as you can ruin the clutch dog.

 

[Laddies]

Re: Merc 1150 reverse gear problem

steelespike, who would have ever belived a year ago, that a anwser like that would appear on this site and probable be the truth. A year ago this site was the best site on the web for advise, but slowly the people that made it a great site for mechanical advice have left or simply don't want to get involved with all the crap. Sure don't speak well for the people that are here passing out the advce today does it. When the best advice is to go somewhere else with your mechanical questions, I didn't think it could get that bad, that fast--Bob

 

[gregtobin]

Re: Merc 1150 reverse gear problem

Well, I'm new to the outboard game and appreciate all the advice wherever I can get it.
Before I start the adjustment process, can this be done with the motor not running? As you stated, I really dont want to force it into Reverse with the RPMs up.

Thanks
Greg

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Merc 1150 reverse gear problem

Lets put the remote control in N and disconnect the shift linkage rod tip at the engine.

Manually walk the engine through the full length of the shift lever from Max F thru Max R. Remember that the clutch dog has to line up with R so don't force it into R; slowly rotate the prop as you "feel" your way into reverse.

Then take the center of the distance traveled and put the shift lever there.

Adjust the shift lever until the tip of the remote cable is lioned up and reconnect.

Should fix your problem.

Mark

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Merc 1150 reverse gear problem

Greg, The gearshift on that motor will click into neutral and stay there. I recommend you disconnect both cables, move the gearshift slider to the aproximate center of it's travel, and you should feel it "click" into neutral. Now using the remote control, identify the shift cable (it moves first as you go from neutral into gear), and adjust the barrell nut until you can install the cable (control in neutral, motor in neutral).

 

[gregtobin]

Re: Merc 1150 reverse gear problem

Thanks for the advice-
My manual is on order and I'm not sure of many things here. I don't see where the gearshift slider is located. I see where the two cables (my Reverse cable is very worn) enter the engine housing and rotate the distributor, but not how this is coordinated with the shifting.
Are all the adjustments done near the motor, or are some taken care of up by the levers?
Thanks!