mercruiser 888 difficult to shift into forward

[jones01m]

I have a 1976 century with mercuiser 888. Shifts wonderful from neutral to reverse and back. It is very difficult to get to engage in the forward gear. I can hear grinding-type noise when trying. Eventually it will engage, but never easy. Maneuvering in the docks can be a real challange.

Thank you in advance. This is my first post ever.

 

[Bondo]

Re: mercruiser 888 difficult to shift into forward

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,...

My 1st guess is, the lower shift cable is dragging, 'n needs replacing...

 

[jones01m]

Re: mercruiser 888 difficult to shift into forward

Band-o, I appreciate the quick response!

1) Is there further diagnostics I can do to eliminate other possibilities or confirm the shift cable as the culprit?
2) If I replace the cable are there any other things I should look at or parts I should replace while she's apart? Any words of warning for this repair?

Again, really appreciate the help.

 

[jones01m]

Re: mercruiser 888 difficult to shift into forward

From all the other threads it looks like what I need is the new type lower shift cable.
1/4-18 npsf tap also.
Is the correct mercruiser part number #21450 for the reverse mounted cable used on my 888.

thanks a bunch

 

[JerryIrons]

Re: mercruiser 888 difficult to shift into forward

Try pulling the shift cable barrell out of it's holder, and seeing if you can manually shift it into forward that way. You *might* be able to adjust the shift cable and fix this without replacing the cable. If the boat is on the trailer you can still do this, did you read about how to turn the prop, and if it is in forward or reverse, the prop will lock in one direction, and in the other direction ratchet?
That grinding type noise is probably the lower unit "almost" shifting into forward. (ie that grinding noise that people do when they have no idea how to shift a stern drive and try and just ease the shift lever into gear as opposed to the proper way of a fast move into detent with the correct thunk of the sterndrive going into gear )

 

[Bondo]

Re: mercruiser 888 difficult to shift into forward

Band-o, I appreciate the quick response!

1) Is there further diagnostics I can do to eliminate other possibilities or confirm the shift cable as the culprit?
2) If I replace the cable are there any other things I should look at or parts I should replace while she's apart? Any words of warning for this repair?

Again, really appreciate the help.

Ayuh,... Generally speakin',...
When I change a lower shift cable,...
I change out ALL the rubber parts in the gimbel area...

 

[jones01m]

Re: mercruiser 888 difficult to shift into forward

Purchased all the shift cable parts, replacement bellows... everything down to the bell housing removal. Disassembly went flawless, except for the guy before me used steel nails for the bell housing pivot pins rather than aluminum - good thing I went the route of nail removal rather than shearing them off.

Anyway, during disassembly I discovered a couple of cracks in the transom near the drain hole. Looks like there's a bit of rot. I am going in deep now.

 

[jones01m]

Re: mercruiser 888 difficult to shift into forward

I started a new thread for the restoration

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=494546

 

[jones01m]

Re: mercruiser 888 difficult to shift into forward

If anyone needs component pictures, or pictures that would help them with disassembly, please let me know. I want to give back to the forum and not just benefit to the wealth of knowledge here.
I took pictures of every part prior to disassembly.
Just tell me the photo you would like and I will post it

Pre-Alpha drive with associated bellhousing and gimble assemly
302 ford engine
Mercruiser 888

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: mercruiser 888 difficult to shift into forward

I hope you know that the SS nails used for the hinge pins are what is SUPPOSED to be in there. The alluminum will corrode and you may not be able to get them out next time. I would seriously think about getting the correct SS nails from Sierra/Mercruiser if I were you.

 

[jones01m]

Re: mercruiser 888 difficult to shift into forward

Thanks for the comments haulnazz. I purchased the correct ss nails. guess I should have reposted. Looks like the nails that were in there were coated steel 8 penny construction variety.
I believe they would have galled the cast gimble had I attempted to sheer them.
SS makes sense.

I appreciate you looking out for the newbee