Shift Linkage Adjustment

[TimStarforth]

Hi. I have a 81 Mercury 50 hp and I am trying to find out how to properly adjust the throttle and shift cables. Which cable do you start with first, and what position do you have that cable in when you start adjusting? (F,N or R). It's doing what it's supposed to do, but it's grinding just a little bit when you put it in Forward and Reverse before it catches. There is a "dead spot" before it responds.
Thanks.

 

[racerone]

Re: Shift Linkage Adjustment

You must shift quickly and firmly.----It is a mistake to ease it into gear.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Shift Linkage Adjustment

Start with the shift cable. Control in neutral. Remove the barrel nut from it's camp. Make sure motor is in neutral. Adjust the barrel nut to fit the clamp, so the shift slide doesn't move. Now push the throttle closed, control in neutral. Adjust the barrel nut of the throttle cable to push the throttle closed and add a little preload to allow you to feel neutral a bit easier. Install the barrel nut.