MERCRUISER -- Crunches into gear?

[PartyLikeAPirate]

Hi everyone
My 1996 Stingray crunches into gear for some odd reason..
When I put it in gear, sometimes it doesnt even grab, it just "revs" up and doesnt even go into gear. Once it does go into gear, it CRUNCHES or CLUNKS into gear really hard. Do I need new cables? I pulled of the engine hatch to watch it, and it looks like the cable is "bowing", but I have no clue how to adjust this! I adjusted it enough to where it goes forward, but I cannot even use reverse because it doesnt go, just revs, but doesnt go in gear.. I had to replace the throttle handle because it broke, but it does the same thing with the new one as it did with the old..

I am out of options! Is it my cables? Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[Bondo]

Re: MERCRUISER -- Crunches into gear?

Ayuh,... It sounds like the Lower Shift Cable is Shot,+ the motor is idling Too high...

 

[backyard mechanic]

Re: MERCRUISER -- Crunches into gear?

Ayuh,... It sounds like the Lower Shift Cable is Shot,+ the motor is idling Too high...

yup... your outer shift cable is broken most likely at the Gimbel housing. R&R you'll be back in business.

 

[JaseBosto]

Re: MERCRUISER -- Crunches into gear?

Whatever you do, don't attempt to put it in gear while it is running till you find out the problem for sure....otherwise a cable will be the least of your problems..... I am sure its the cable.

 

[PartyLikeAPirate]

Re: MERCRUISER -- Crunches into gear?

Thanks everyone for your replies!
I am relieved to know that it is just a cable (my original suspicion confirmed)
My next project would be to pull it off and replace it.. I am going to try this first (engine not running of course lol) and then see what happens!!! I will keep you all posted!
Now I just need to pull it off and get the right length cable!

 

[PartyLikeAPirate]

Re: MERCRUISER -- Crunches into gear?

Here is another question on this--

I am doing a search online for this part, and I am seeing all universal parts for it. I know when you replace the cables, you can buy 7', 8', etc... Is the lower shift cable a universal cable length? Also, do I have to buy the whole kit or should I just get the cable? I do not have a service manual so I am going to have to do this myself unless I get some guidance here. The one I found was a Quicksilver Mercruiser lower shift cable kit..

Thanks all!

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: MERCRUISER -- Crunches into gear?

Now I just need to pull it off and get the right length cable!

You may be mistaken about which cable we're talking about! It's the LOWER SHIFT cable. There's not necessarily a right length cable as much as there's a RIGHT cable for that drive.

The lower shift cable cable is in addition to the 2 cables that run from the shift/throttle control.

Make sure you're using an OEM service manual for your model outdrive.



Cheers,


Rick

 

[PartyLikeAPirate]

Re: MERCRUISER -- Crunches into gear?

Ya, I realized that JUST after I posted that, Rick!!
For some reason, my mind was on the throttle/shift cable...Got too much going on here at work!! Good news is, I dont have to pull the siding off the boat to get to it, which I am relieved! That was a bear fixing the throttle handle..

I think the safe bet would be to look at the model number on the shift cable I pull from the boat and match it..

Any idea on where I can get my hands on a cheap copy of a Mercruiser engine service manual for 1996?
Thanks again, gents!

 

[fuzzybob]

Re: MERCRUISER -- Crunches into gear?

PLP, welcome to iboats.

You can download the OEM service manual for your mercruiser at the top of this forum. Click on the "Adults Only" sticky and read lots of important info. While there you can download the manuals.... one for the engine and one for the outdrive all for free! Good luck on your project.

 

[PartyLikeAPirate]

Re: MERCRUISER -- Crunches into gear?

Thanks for the info!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MOST helpful!!

 

[PartyLikeAPirate]

Re: MERCRUISER -- Crunches into gear?

PLP, welcome to iboats.

You can download the OEM service manual for your mercruiser at the top of this forum. Click on the "Adults Only" sticky and read lots of important info. While there you can download the manuals.... one for the engine and one for the outdrive all for free! Good luck on your project.

Ok... I get the top of the page, but where in the world do I find the Adults Only sticky? Sorry.. its a dumb question I know

 

[Glastron_V210]

Re: MERCRUISER -- Crunches into gear?

If you haven't found it already, it's at the top of the page in the main Volvo & other I/O & Inboard Engines & Outdrives page.

Chay

 

[Fishermark]

Re: MERCRUISER -- Crunches into gear?

Here ya go!

 

[PartyLikeAPirate]

Re: MERCRUISER -- Crunches into gear?

Thanks everyone!!! I got it!
I will keep you posted on the progress!

 

[PartyLikeAPirate]

Update! 2 questions for you all!

Update! 2 questions for you all!

Ok, so after I pulled the old boat out to see what I am working with here, let me run this by you fellas now..

I may not hold a PhD in cable functionality, but I do know a cable should never be twisted or kinked in any way shape or form. This shift cable is similar to the functions of a clutch cable in a car.. If its stretched, it will not go into gear or go in gear hard. Now, I traced the lower shift cable from the top of the engine down to the bottom where it disappears into the transom..

Humor me for a moment, but.... That cable should go straight into the back, in other words, it should not be TWISTED in anyway? I ask because that cable is, well, twisted before it goes into the transom.. Almost like it is too long.. That isn't right, is it?

My second question is I think the stupid lady at the marine shop I bought my book from last year actually sold me the wrong book. My boat has a sterndrive Mercruiser Alpha One, 4.3 Litre X... She sold me a repair manual for Mercruiser Bravo I, II, III models.... I have the wrong book, don't I? If so, I have a book I can sell to someone who needs/wants a repair manual for 1992-96 Mercruiser Bravo series lol...

Thanks for ALL your help on this, I would not have found this issue if it weren't for this forum.

 

[duke3478]

Re: Update! 2 questions for you all!

Re: Update! 2 questions for you all!

This shift cable is similar to the functions of a clutch cable in a car..

Not really, no. It's more like shifter linkage.

I'm not a mercruiser expert, but on I/O drives in general, the shift cable pushes or pulls to move a lever that through a series of other mechanical moveements engages gears.

Gearsets in what (in an I/O boat) is the equivalent of a transmission don't have the benefit of the gentle engagement of a clutch or a torque convertor. They're in gear or out, forward, neutral, or reverse.

Again, no Merc experience, but if you have an Alpha drive and your manual says Bravo, it's probably the wrong one.

 

[Intune]

Re: MERCRUISER -- Crunches into gear?

Don't buy a repair manual. The "adults only" manuals are fantastic & free!

 

[PartyLikeAPirate]

Re: MERCRUISER -- Crunches into gear?

Ya, I am just mad I was sold the wrong one..
What about the cable and the twist? What are your thoughts on that?

 

[searay3]

Re: MERCRUISER -- Crunches into gear?

the newer merc kit for the lower shift cable is what you want. About a hundred bucks. Comes with new ends and has an improved coated inner cable. And yes it is long. The manual show you how to route it. Once installed it is very smooth.

 

[PartyLikeAPirate]

Re: MERCRUISER -- Crunches into gear?

Now is this something I can do myself? I mean, on a scale of 1-10 (10 being difficult)?
Also, just readdressing the "twisted" part of the cable and making sure that is NOT a normal thing, correct?