Mercruiser Shift Problems

[brodie123]

I've started having some shift problems where when I switch from forward or reverse into neutral, it either stays in gear for a prolonged time - or just stays in gear.

When I momentarily ground my cutoff swith by pushing in the button - it momentarily stalls the engine - the gear goes into neutral.

With the engine *not* running, and I switch from fwd to neutral and reverse etc, the mechanisim that engages the cutoff switch does not move - or barely slightly - it seems relatively free to move - more one direction that the other - the springs move it back to centre.

HELP!! How do I fix this?

Mercruiser - 1981 165 HP inline 6

Thanks

 

[brodie123]

Re: Mercruiser Shift Problems

I should also say that when in neutral and I switch into gear, it dos so easily. The shift cables are all new - all the way to the outdrive - replaced a year ago - had no probs then.

 

[greg82255]

Re: Mercruiser Shift Problems

The shift interrupter is only activated when the prop is under load. It shouldn't move when you shift with the engine off. It sounds the shift interrupter is not engaging when it should. I'm pretty sure it should be attached to the outer housing on the lower shift cable. Don S just helped me with a similar problem - hopefully he will chime in with a possible solution for you.

 

[brodie123]

Re: Mercruiser Shift Problems

yeah - I thought with it not under load it may not engage fully as I believe it uses shift pressure on the cable to engage. I'll order a new switch "just" in case but would really appreciate some additional feedback on what to look for/adjust.

thx

 

[brodie123]

Re: Mercruiser Shift Problems

Is there anything ele i should be looking for?

 

[dubs283]

Re: Mercruiser Shift Problems

I'll order a new switch "just" in case

the switch is NLA - you are stuck with what you have, unless you can track down a used one

the problem is:
-your idle is too high, should be roughly 650-700 in gear,
-the switch isn't engaging enough to cut-out the ignition, the arm can be bent so the switch engages sooner
-or the cable is bad

 

[brodie123]

Re: Mercruiser Shift Problems

thx - I will try those!