Not shifting into neutral properly from fwd

[Woody-jh]

1994 4.3 Vortex Mercruiser, Alpha 1 outdrive, Gen II
Engine Serial OF 421280
Stern Drive Serial DF 457691

Last time out, when shifting from forward to neutral, the shifter disengaged OK, but the drive stayed in forward- fortunately low speed. I had to drop the shifter back, partly into reverse, to stop forward movement. Never done this before. This occurred consistently before I docked. Fortunately, no docking issues as water was tame and ramp was empty.
The shifter "clicks" into neutral as it always has. Nothing loose or jammed that I can see- cables OK, bracket snug but not locked tight

I have read several threads about Shift Assist switches, but I am not clear about what is "normal" by appearance.
With the engine not running in my driveway, the shift assist switch grounds out when the shifter is in neutral or reverse. By ground out, I mean that there is good contact to the shift assist bracket. When I shift to forward, the lug pulls away from the ground.

Ideas? Thanks

 

[180shabah]

Re: Not shifting into neutral properly from fwd

Well basically, it is either the shift cable or the shift interrupt switch. The switch should be open at all times except when shifting OUT of gear, then it kills your ignition briefly. It is this stumble that allows your drive to come out of gear. A stretched or misadjusted shift cable can activate the switch at the wrong time, or not at all.

Unless somebody beats me to it, I will post a link to the manual for your drive.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Not shifting into neutral properly from fwd

Here it is

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Not shifting into neutral properly from fwd

Your shift interrupter switch is not functioning properly.....​

 

[Woody-jh]

Re: Not shifting into neutral properly from fwd

Forgot to mention in my original post....
I did not have any power on while I was "testing." I was simply watching the reaction of the shift assist bracket and cables while moving the shift lever from forward to neutral to reverse and watching what I think is the grounding lug against the bracket. So, would the shift assist work without any power applied, or was I just exercising the cables?

 

[badbowtie]

Re: Not shifting into neutral properly from fwd

my 85 alpha 1 was doing the same thing I replaced the lower cable it fixed it for one outing then it was doing it again so I replaced the upper cable and know it works great. Just a thought

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Not shifting into neutral properly from fwd

Forgot to mention in my original post....
I did not have any power on while I was "testing." I was simply watching the reaction of the shift assist bracket and cables while moving the shift lever from forward to neutral to reverse and watching what I think is the grounding lug against the bracket. So, would the shift assist work without any power applied, or was I just exercising the cables?

It only actuate under load......

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Not shifting into neutral properly from fwd

The shift assist/interrupter switch ONLY function with a load on the prop. It does/will not function in the water without the engine running, or at any time with the out drive out of the water.