Mercruiser shifting hard?

[hpeeler]

I have a new to us '06 Tahoe with the 5.0 mercruiser and have just had it out 4 times in relatively cool water (around 60-65 deg) When the boat is cold, it shifts really hard to the point that you can't get it into neutral after backing it off the trailer. It bumps from reverse to forward and back. The steering is also very stiff at this time. After the boat has been run and it warms up, everything is fine with it. It's our first I/O but is this common? Doesn't seem so to me. I had the 100hr service done prior to the first launch, so should they have caught something wrong? Thanks
Hal

 

[JWebber]

Re: Mercruiser shifting hard?

You have to let these marine engines warm up, hard shifting happens when the engine is at a higher idle vs ( normal idle warmed engine) Is your engine EFI or carbed? If carbed the choke will be applied and idle will be in a higher idle state. Just take your time and see if your problems work out before shifting.

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser shifting hard?

Which outdrive do you have, and if your engine is a carbed version, does it have the TKS carb?

 

[hpeeler]

Re: Mercruiser shifting hard?

It's an Alpha 1 and it is carbed but don't know what kind.

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser shifting hard?

What is your idle rpm when cold. You do have a TKS carb (Turn Key Start) and they take 6 to 10 minutes to warm up enough to slow down to the proper idle rpm.
Not really something the shop would notice, because the boat would be out of the water and the shift interrupt system doesn't work out of the water.
Steering is another problem, but not something checked in a 100 hr service. Did you look at the oil level in the power steering pump?

 

[hpeeler]

Re: Mercruiser shifting hard?

Don, thanks for the info. I haven't really paid attention to the rpm's when cold vs warm. I know this makes me sound like an idiot but really I am a "gauge watcher" when driving anything. I'll pay more attention next time. The boat doesn't have power steering so I wondered if it might be a cable adjustment. Thanks again

 

[JWebber]

Re: Mercruiser shifting hard?

Are you getting steering problems just trolling along, or while your up on plane? If up on plane and it feels stiff, could be your trim tab above prop. Next time your up on plane look around you and let go of the wheel and see if your boat turns to one side. (example) If it turns to the right and your tab is pointed to that direction adjust it back a notch oppasite to the turn side. Sometimes you can get strong torque steering if the tabs are not adjusted correct.SOmetime certain speeds will brech it loose for this torque steering. But if its stiff while just trolling might want it looked at your local dealer or marine shop.