Shifter adjustment?

[frayed knot]

I have a '78 Wellcraft V20 cuddy with a Mercruiser 898 and Alpha 1 gen 1 outdrive. My problem is when coming out of fwd gear into the neutral detent on the Mercontrol, it actually doesn't go into neutral, it stays in forward gear. I can get it into neutral if I go past the detent towards reverse and then back to the neutral detent. Where is the adjustment for this? I have a Clymer's manual, and it is vague at best for this adjustment. Thanks for any help.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Shifter adjustment?

You have just discovered why nobody on this board will sugest using clymers or selocs for anything other than a booster seat.

 

[Don S]

Re: Shifter adjustment?

One other place.

The OEM service manual for your drive (Book #4) will give you exact details. Check ebay, or your local merc dealer.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Shifter adjustment?

Is this boat new to you?
If not, is this a new symptom?
Read AChris's post in the FAQ section to see if it sheds some light.....
If ya got more questions, post back........​

 

[frayed knot]

Re: Shifter adjustment?

Is this boat new to you?
If not, is this a new symptom?
Read AChris's post in the FAQ section to see if it sheds some light.....
If ya got more questions, post back........​

Nope had it a year, upper gears went south and I replaced the upper gear box. I know it's probably just an adjustment. I'll hit that FAQ. Thanks.

 

[elpaso]

Re: Shifter adjustment?

This may help - in manual go to -installation & adjustments

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf

Go to shift adjustment.
http://www.mercstuff.com/howdoi.htm

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Shifter adjustment?

I f you have more than just a little adjustment, your lower shifter cable may be toast.

 

[achris]

Re: Shifter adjustment?

Nope had it a year, upper gears went south and I replaced the upper gear box. I know it's probably just an adjustment. I'll hit that FAQ. Thanks.

Any idea why the top box gear set 'went south'? Wonder if it could be because the adjustment was out.....

Chris......

 

[MRS]

Re: Shifter adjustment?

I have a '78 Wellcraft V20 cuddy with a Mercruiser 898 and Alpha 1 gen 1 outdrive. My problem is when coming out of fwd gear into the neutral detent on the Mercontrol, it actually doesn't go into neutral, it stays in forward gear. I can get it into neutral if I go past the detent towards reverse and then back to the neutral detent. Where is the adjustment for this? I have a Clymer's manual, and it is vague at best for this adjustment. Thanks for any help.

When I did some work on mine I had to disconect the shift cable from the outdrive. When I hooked back up it did about what yours is doing I did find in the manual that it gave measurment that had to be set just right. It was off 1/4 inch I ajusted it and it worked great. The linkage to ajust was under the the motor cover if it is like mine you will see it there have some one shift it while you look back there. Hope this helps......

 

[frayed knot]

Re: Shifter adjustment?

Any idea why the top box gear set 'went south'? Wonder if it could be because the adjustment was out.....

Chris......

Yeah, lack of oil would be the culprit on the failure. My fault for not checking it, live and learn.

 

[frayed knot]

Re: Shifter adjustment?

Just an update. I adjusted the lower shift cable. I removed it from the bracket and measured it from the center of the brass barrel to the center of the mount eye. It measured 6 1/4". Adjusted it to 6" and it seems to work fine on the muffs. I'll know for sure Friday when I put her back in the water. Thanks for the help.