New Mercruiser won't go into gear!

[tmclendon]

Sure hope someone can help! I have a new ('03) Mercruiser 3.0L. The big button that you push on the shifter/throttle to disengage the shift (to get fast idle for startup/warmup) seems to be stuck 'in' and I can't get the thing to shift into gear, forward or reverse. Seems to be no problem on the other (engine) end of the shifter cable. It's a mercury branded shifter/throttle unit, has a thumb safety-lock button and the thumb trim/tilt rocker switch, plus the big (stuck) button at the center of the base.<br /><br />I've tried beating on it, pulling it out with pliers (seems to be a plastic cap so not much luck with that). I took it apart as far as I could but the guts seem to be hard to access. I don't have a manual for the thing.<br /><br />Any help REALLY appreciated. If I can't fix it, it's gonna be a big pain to get it to the launch ramp and loaded, then 3 hours each way to the dealer to get it fixed.<br /><br />Thanks to all!<br /><br />Tom

 

[tmclendon]

Re: New Mercruiser won't go into gear!

Welll..since nobody seems to have an answer, what would be a good shop manual to buy for this unit ('03 SeaRay, Mercruiser 3.0/ALpha 1).<br />Thanks!<br />Tom

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: New Mercruiser won't go into gear!

Remove the black button and with a deep set socket, remove the internal nut. You can then remove the handle. Then remove the plastic cover over the front of the face plate. Remove the three 1/4 bolts and the back unit will fall free. Now you can get to the guts to get things moving again.

 

[tmclendon]

Re: New Mercruiser won't go into gear!

Cool! Thanks Ken. Um..how do you get the black button off, just pull with pliers/pry with a screwdriver or is there a trick?<br />Tom

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: New Mercruiser won't go into gear!

You can always try something simple first like spraying with spray lube.Use one with a long tube on the nozzle so you can get it to the internals of the shifter.The plastic button should just pry off.Try working the shifter back and forward before you try pressing the button.I had a mechanic take mine totally apart and lube everything and when he put it back together ,still stuck.He then replaced it.If your boat is new ask the dealer to replace it so it dont happen again.Being it is new the lube may work for now. Charlie

 

[tmclendon]

Re: New Mercruiser won't go into gear!

Thanks Charlie. One of the first things I tried was spraying some lube in around the button, and working the lever forward and back *many* times trying to work it loose.<br /><br />I'll try to find out what it going on behind the button, I'll definately get the dealer involved if necesscary, just hate to have to make the trip.<br /><br />Tom

 

[denniz]

Re: New Mercruiser won't go into gear!

The new boxes have a problem with that, Too much tension on the throttle cable can cause it to lock up try removing it first(at the carb) if button pops out then adj. throttle cable and use it, if not id get another box. Is the boat still in warranty? It should be covered by merc for the first year.