Mercruiser shift lever-cant keep tight

[Rock Hall]

I've got an 89 Mercruiser Alpha 1. i have an ongoing problem keeping the shifter level tight. there is a set screw underneath the lever. i dont think i can get that any tight. if i loosen it then tighten...it seems to me ok for a few hours of operation then gets sloppy to the point that you can just pull it right off.
Is there something that wears out in the shifter? Am i missing something?
Can i drill a small hole in the cog that the set screw grips?
Any help is appreciated. this always seems to happen at the most inopportune time, like when trying to dock in my slip.
Thanks
Mark

 

[Kainon]

Re: Mercruiser shift lever-cant keep tight

If you take the handle off you may notice the hole cold be broken or partially broken.

I would definately take a breath and take a few mins to take a closer look.

You may want to think about some "Thread Locker" Medium Strenght
there may be barely anything left of the threads.

 

[Rock Hall]

Re: Mercruiser shift lever-cant keep tight

Is the set screw the only thing holding the lever on? it seems there should be a snap ring or something. i've searched the archives and this does not seem to be a common problem which leads me to believe something is broken or missing.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Mercruiser shift lever-cant keep tight

You can go up to adults only, #9 and the last manual on the list covers controls. I have an 87 which is the commander series (section 4 in the manual) might be the same as yours, and it appears that is it. A new setscrew might help. I don't know if you can drill and tap for the next larger screw or not. Good luck.

 

[jmfrost]

Re: Mercruiser shift lever-cant keep tight

Had a similar problem last year. A plastic bushing inside the housing that the set screw rests against was cracked in half. No matter how tight I made the screw the other half of the plastic would flex enough for the throttle to be loose. I have an '01 though, so I'm not sure you'd have the same part in yours, but it was only a $3 bushing.

 

[Rock Hall]

Re: Mercruiser shift lever-cant keep tight

thanks for the help guys. I went after this problem a few years ago. my memory is so bad, i have to start from scratch. I had things working well for a few years, now it is worse than ever. I'll check the screw for damage. the manual will be a big help.
Mark