Mercruiser - no reverse. New cables already installed

[Luna_u_fat]

I'm restoring a 79 Marquis Ski oat with a Mercruiser 120. The control cables are the last project before I can get it out for a sea trial.
New lower cable, new remote cable. It shifts into forward great, but I'm only getting a little clicking in reverse. (Neutral is fine as well if that matters) I can remove the lower cable and shift into either forward or reverse with no issues. I've watched several YT vids on the correct procedure, including the one with the Engligh guy Chrisa660.

I've done the adjustment procedure 30 times now with basically the same results. I feel like I'm missing something simple. After shifting into reverse and getting the clicking, I can reach and tap the lever over another 1/4 inch and it fully engages.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks

 

[alldodge]

If shift cables are adjusted per the Merc manual, then might be the shift foot was not installed correctly when putting the upper and lower drive together, or the shift foot is bent

When putting the lower on the upper, the shift shaft is rotated so the prop locks in a CCW direction. Once prop is locked in CCW position, a bungee is installed to keep the shift shaft from slipping.

Now the upper is installed on lower making sure the shift foot points directly forward.

 

[Luna_u_fat]

If shift cables are adjusted per the Merc manual, then might be the shift foot was not installed correctly when putting the upper and lower drive together, or the shift foot is bent

When putting the lower on the upper, the shift shaft is rotated so the prop locks in a CCW direction. Once prop is locked in CCW position, a bungee is installed to keep the shift shaft from slipping.

Now the upper is installed on lower making sure the shift foot points directly forward.

I suppose that it couldn't hurt to pull the lower again and re-check everything. I replaced the impeller a couple of weeks ago. I can check the condition of the shift foot while I have it off. Thanks

 

[Luna_u_fat]

Does having it in the water with resistance make any difference when adjusting the cables?

 

[alldodge]

Does having it in the water with resistance make any difference when adjusting the cables?

No, the cables are adjusted with the motor off, so on the hard or in the water is the same

 

[Luna_u_fat]

I believe I've figured it out. Ther piece the shift foot from the lower slides into on the upper has a small gap on there starboard side. I slid some folded sandpaper in the gap to make it tighter and it shifts perfectly.

Taking the lower off now to see if I can remove and fix it or order a new part.
Do you know the exact name of it? It looks to be what the intermediate shift shaft from the lower mate's with.
If it were a connector, I'd call it the female half.
shift foot gives me no parts that resemble it.

 

[alldodge]

Think there should be a washer in there which holds the foot higher

 

[Luna_u_fat]

You're right. I just pulled it up a fraction of an inch higher and it locked in reverse. I guess I'm still pulling the lower off to see about the washer. Thanks

 

[Luna_u_fat]

Thanks for ther tip about the washer. It had become concave from 40 years of use. I straightened it out on a press and reinstalled it the opposite direction. Both forward and reverse address shifting smooth. That 1/4 inch of rise the eager have me was all the difference.

Thanks again.

 

[Luna_u_fat]

Lots of spell check errors in that last post. Sorry.

I would have scratched my head over that washer issue for weeks, all the time thinking it was a cable issue. I owe you a beer wherever you make it to NC.

 

[alldodge]

All good