Shift problem

[newDIYer]

Always something to fix on a 1972 140 HP Mercruiser Type I drive. Was shifting just fine now when I shift back to neutral from forward or reverse the out drive does not go into neutral. Shift from forward to neutral then the control lever fills like it is in a bind when trying to shift on to reverse. Rock the handle back and forth (barely out of neutral forward and reverse) and the outdrive will go into neutral. I adjusted the shift cable and control cable per instructions and problem presists.<br /><br />Problem does not happen when shifting on the trailer. Problem does not happen when shifting on the trailer with muffs and engine running. Problem only seems to happens when engine is running and boat is in the water.<br /><br />Any ideas?<br /><br />Thanks in advance for any help. You have helped me tremendously in the past.

 

[djvan]

Re: Shift problem

Don't know about pre alpha, but if it is similair to alpha one, try this. Crawl under boat and look up under the outdrive. Look kind of between the upper and lower units. There should be (on an alpha anyway) a shift connection. Kind of a male/female slot connection, be sure the two are fully engaging, if somebody forgot to put the stainless washer on top of the shift shaft before installing the lower, it will allow this connection to slip by sometimes and work other times. I've had this experience with an alpha one generation one.<br /><br />HTH's <br /><br />DougV>

 

[johnkc]

Re: Shift problem

check your shift interupter switch,sounds like it isn't working.

 

[newDIYer]

Re: Shift problem

Found a broken wire on my shift interrupt switch. I have fixed it and hope to go the lake tomorrow and try it out.<br /><br />Thanks for pointing me in that direction.

 

[newDIYer]

Re: Shift problem

Took the boat to the lake this morning and it shifts great now.<br /><br />It was the broken shift interrupter wire.<br /><br />Thanks for the great advice.

 

[johnkc]

Re: Shift problem

your welcome!