mercruiser outdrive dies in reverse

[bonitaboy]

I have a 1987 260 hp mercruiser with a alpha one outdrive.Every time i shift it into reverse it either grinds until it finally gets into reverse or it more often than not just kills the engine.i have adjusted the shift cables on the engine itself and can make it shift into reverse ok but it will then do the same thing in forward as it did in reverse i.e. die out or grind gears badly.someone told me if i did as much adjusting on the shift cable as possible that the clutch dogs were bad?anyone got ideas for me

 

[B_Eager]

Re: mercruiser outdrive dies in reverse

Your shifter cable is shot, you are tripping the safety switch. Do not use the boat like this or you will destroy the shifter spool in the lower unit if you have not already.

 

[stevied]

Re: mercruiser outdrive dies in reverse

you should have your lower unit checked out it sounds like your clutch dogs are worn out

 

[Bondo]

Re: mercruiser outdrive dies in reverse

It's the Lower Shift Cable.....<br />Pull the outdrive,+ Replace it.... NOW....

 

[Trent]

Re: mercruiser outdrive dies in reverse

Ditto...Lower shift cable. Very common problem.

 

[bret walters]

Re: mercruiser outdrive dies in reverse

lower shift cable is the problem? well maybe. actually it is the seal on the bellhousing shift shaft that causes the problem and that ruins the cable. when installing the new cable also install the seal and bushing kit to upgrade this very vulnerable seal. if you don't install the new one piece seal and bushing it will happen again.

 

[Deadwood]

Re: mercruiser outdrive dies in reverse

I'm having the same problem on my 120/140hp Mercruiser in/out in both forward and reverse. It killed the engine the first four or five shifts into forward but finally freed up and went into gear but not without extensive grinding. Clutch dogs? Lower cable? Is there a resource of how to adjust and/or replace these items.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: mercruiser outdrive dies in reverse

Deadwood - you can get the appropriate manual from the stickey at the top of the page ... probably best not to respond to a post that is 7 years old. Go ahead and start a new one of your own.