Mercruiser shifting problem

[mlegrand]

1988 Sea Ray with 260 hp Mercruiser 5.7L eng. Has not been in water for about a year - recovering from cancer. Took out for first time this year and shifting into forward and reverse worked fine. Skied for about 45 minutes with a few stops and starts, in and out of forward/reverse just fine. At one stop, when shifting from neutral into forward, gears/prop would not engage, just moved forward and eng accelerated, but no gears engaged. Would shift into reverse OK, but not forward. Shifted to reverse, went backwards for about 15 seconds, shifted into neutral, then into forward and it engaged. Shifted back to neutral and it would not shift into forward. When shifting into reverse and back to neutral, it would not shift out of reverse. Played with it (into reverse first and then back to forward) and got it engaged into forward and took it out of the water. Sitting in driveway, it will shift into reverse, but will not shift into forward. On driveway, when attempt forward, it clicks like it is trying but will not engage...just a light clicking in the gears, not a grinding.<br /><br />Been reading many of the shifting problems in the forum. Does anyone have a best first step to take or what is most likely the problem? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser shifting problem

If the insides of the cable are worn and there is a groove where the inner cable meets the outer cable, you will end up with excess slop that will prevent you from going all the way into gear. It's just on the verge of being a constant problem. You may be able to adjust it a little and get it to work for a bit, but the only complete cure is a new shift cable between the engine and the drive.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser shifting problem

Back at the motor,.. You'll see where the cable from the controller meets the cable that goes to the outdrive.......<br /><br />Disconnect the 1 going to the drive(Lower Shift Cable),.... <br />Now Try pushing,and/or Pulling it by hand,...It Should move Very Smoothly,..... Does it Shift ??<br />(have somebody rotate the prop to see if it engages)<br /><br />My 1st Guess is that, That cable is Bad.........<br /><br /><br />edit; It Must have been Seconds,........Ya Beat Me Again, Don.........

 

[mlegrand]

Re: Mercruiser shifting problem

Thank you both very much. I'll check these.

 

[mlegrand]

Re: Mercruiser shifting problem

Final resolution: I traded boats with my brother after opening this problem so there was some delay. He took it to his local boat repair and they determined that the shifting cable needed to be replaced and did so. He reports the boat is shifting very nicely now. Strangely enough, I have a similar problem with the Four Winns I now own from the trade - same 260 hp engine but OMC. It is not as pronounced and hoping it just needs adjusting. Shifting into reverse is very hard and won't go sometimes.