Replaced Shifter cable same issue

[SeaRyan]

91 Mercruiser V6 4.3L I/O<br /><br />My remote was very hard to move both in reverse and forward. I had the shifter cable replaced from engine to outdrive but remote still stiff. If I remove the 2 cable from the engine that run to the remote I have no problem moving both in reverse and forward so I don't think it's those cables that are the issue but no sure.Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Replaced Shifter cable same issue

Did you lubricate/oil the pivot points on the shift linkage?.....J

 

[SeaRyan]

Re: Replaced Shifter cable same issue

No I haven't but the pivot seems fine, But the spring connect to it seems like to takes some pressure to push in and pull out but I not sure how stiff that spring should be?

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Replaced Shifter cable same issue

You mentioned the spring. Does your shift plate have the shift assist arm? It connects in parallel with the cable that runs to your shifters (AKA remote control cable), and is basically a big spring. If so, just try slipping off the end with the hole at the top and try it then. Leave the other end connected for now (the same end where the remote control cable has its barrel connector)<br /><br />I went through something similar recently. The shift assist made shifting too hard for my liking so I removed it and it works perfectly now. If that works for you you'll have to get a spacer for the barrel end and possibly a shorter clevis pin.

 

[SeaRyan]

Re: Replaced Shifter cable same issue

Yes it has a shift assist and I will try it with out the Shift assist and give an update

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Replaced Shifter cable same issue

The SA is supposed to help you find Neutral from what I've read in the Merc manuals. I guess it also helps pulling into neutral as the spring returns to equilibrium. However, I have Morse shifters that have detents for gear positions and neutral and it simply did not like playing with that shift assist. The new plates I bought (I was upgrading) each came with 2 shift assist arms so i think they may have different spring constants based on your setup. But mine worked perfectly with them removed so I didn't even bother trying the other.