Mercruiser control unit

[JohnJR]

I have a 1989 Rinker with a 5.0LX Alpha drive. The shift/throttle lever is starting to bind and I was wondering how to remove it. The box is tucked up under the gunwale, and the lever and rectangular trim plate are mounted on the opposite side. I'm not sure how to remove the lever so the whole unit can be removed for cleaning and lubrication. It is the type with the intergrated trim/trailer switches. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Mercruiser control unit

Hi John, my suggestion is first lube the ends of the cable. I installed the same setup in my 67 Stingray. It was a big headache to me. The wiring is somewhat wound around the shifting lever at its pivot point. In that area, it is real easy to pinch the wires (which I regretted seriously) when you put it back together. I know it is hard to get behind and or underneath, but if you can spray some good lubricant on the cables, I would try that first. Also check to make sure that your cable is not being smashed or kinked. This is a sure way to cause shifting problems. Not sure about your plastic trim pieces, but mine just pryied off with a small scewdriver. Behind those trim pieces are the scews that anchors the mechanism to the gunwale. Good Luck....

 

[Walter]

Re: Mercruiser control unit

You didn't mention where in the travel of the shifter/throttle lever you feel the binding. Is it throughout the entire throttle range travel...forward and reverse? Or is it only through the gear selection? You may also consider disconnecting the throttle and shift cables at the engine...then operate the shift lever to see if the binding lessens considerably. Do one first...try it...then both. Hopefully, through process of elimination, you may discover which component is causing the trouble.<br /><br />Keep us posted...<br /><br />Walt

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser control unit

More likely than Not, your problem is the cables, rather than the shifter.... you can waste your time trying to lube them, or just replace them... your going to anyway......

 

[Walter]

Re: Mercruiser control unit

I agree with bond-o in that if you discover your cables are stiff...you might as well replace them vs. trying to lube them.<br /><br />Walt

 

[Trent]

Re: Mercruiser control unit

Disconnect the cables at the engine and see if the shifter now works ok. YOur lower shift cable or slide could be sticking.