shift problem 89 sea ray mercruiser 3.0

[natsgrampy]

Had a new SEI outdrive installed this season. I installed a new shift cable 2 seasons ago. I have had to adjust the shift cable 3 times since the outdrive install. I am now finding, when I shift into reverse, the engine stalls. When I shift into reverse, the shift interrupter goes way out of the center. It stays in center in forward

Sound like the cable got kinked or bent during the outdrive install? It does seem as though it is very tight while shifting.

Is a new shift cable needed?

One more question, is the route of the cable very important as I am not 100% sure that was followed during the last install of the cable.

 

[alldodge]

Had a new SEI outdrive installed this season. I installed a new shift cable 2 seasons ago. I have had to adjust the shift cable 3 times since the outdrive install. I am now finding, when I shift into reverse, the engine stalls. When I shift into reverse, the shift interrupter goes way out of the center. It stays in center in forward

Sound like the cable got kinked or bent during the outdrive install? It does seem as though it is very tight while shifting.

Is a new shift cable needed?

One more question, is the route of the cable very important as I am not 100% sure that was followed during the last install of the cable.

With having to adjust it three times I would think something was not properly tightened. Is the adjustments moving around? Go to the adults only section and re-look at the videos

As for routing, it should be smooth bends and no tight ones.

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

What is the condition of the shift shaft bushing/seal in the bellhousing? They have an upgraded version. the top bushing is also a seal. If it is worn can let water into the shift cable area and cause premature failure.


Attached is a photo of Fishermark's recently replaced:

 

[fishrdan]

Remove the lower shift cable from the anchor points and operate it by hand, to see how smoothly it will go in-out. The cable should slide silky smooth, like butter, if it drags at all is will cause issues shifting and the shift interrupt switch engaging.

When adjusting the shift cables, are you following the Mercruiser procedure exactly, with all the steps included?

Also, was the replacement lower shift cable an aftermarket cable or an genuine OEM Mercruiser/Quicksilver cable? The Mercruiser cable is built MUCH better than aftermarket cables, well worth the extra money...

 

[natsgrampy]

Remove the lower shift cable from the anchor points and operate it by hand, to see how smoothly it will go in-out. The cable should slide silky smooth, like butter, if it drags at all is will cause issues shifting and the shift interrupt switch engaging.

When adjusting the shift cables, are you following the Mercruiser procedure exactly, with all the steps included?

Also, was the replacement lower shift cable an aftermarket cable or an genuine OEM Mercruiser/Quicksilver cable? The Mercruiser cable is built MUCH better than aftermarket cables, well worth the extra money...

yes, I followed the procedure 100%

It was a quicksilver cable.

I didn't have any issues for 2 seasons, Then the outdrive was replaced.

When you say "remove the lower shift cable from the anchor points," are you talking about on top of the engine,or, on the bell housing?

 

[Rick Stephens]

Easiest check on the lower shift cable is pull the leg, then disconnect the upper end of the lower shift cable from the linkage on top of the motor. The Cable should be able to slide in and out the 2 inches or so that it travels just smooth as silk. No grabbing or pressure to move.

Doing the linkage adjustments is easy if you do it according to the instructions - exactly. First check the cable throw from the controls (I think it is between 2 and 7/8 to 3 and 1/8 inch - exactly). Then check the lower - set it to exactly 6 inches in forward gear. Then check that the travel length is set to minimum on by virtue of the pin slot that the lower cable is attached and test reverse.

Doesn't take much to cause reverse to start kicking the interrupter.

Rick

 

[natsgrampy]

I re did the cable adjustments starting from scratch. What I found was the drive cable was NOT 6 inches. Not sure how I did that, but, it was closer to 5 1/2. :brick:

Checked it out today and so far so good. Will be putting her in the water Thursday and should be ready to go!

Thanks for the help all

 

[Rick Stephens]

Righteous. Glad to hear it isn't the new stern drive.

Happy boating.

RIck

 

[Myers_8]

Where is the adults only section to get access to manuals?