Shifter Interlock Button Stuck?

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IslanderVT

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'88 Mercrusier 260HP Alpha 1 with standard Quicksilver Commander shifter assembly, all original.

Button on top of throttle, which interlocks the shifter from moving into gear unless its pressed, seems to be stuck in. The button itself isn't stuck...it pushes in and springs back like normal. But it has no effect on shifting.

It will move into either forward or reverse without pushing the button. Otherwise everything seems to work fine. Throttle-only button works properly. Shifts into forward/reverse smooth, no problems. No issues with the shifting interrupt switch back on the engine. Cables seem to be fine.

Just doesn't have the stop in neutral that my wife and I are used to, so its real easy to slam it from reverse into forward...no click & stop at neutral.

Seems like I've heard of this fail mode before...is it a common problem?

Any thoughts for the best fix?

Have not taken it apart yet...hoping for some wisdom first!

Thanks!
 
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stonyloam

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5,827
Re: Shifter Interlock Button Stuck?

Mine hasn't worked for the last 20 years. Depends on the control, if you have the commander (like this: http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...g&inbr=1989&bnbr=90&bdesc=REMOTE+CONTROL+ASSY ) there is not too much to it. Unscrew the two screws that hold the face of the control on and the one that holds the top on and take a look. Just a trigger, spring, rod and lock pin. If it is another control handle, I know nothing;).
 
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britisher

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Re: Shifter Interlock Button Stuck?

I have the same throttle. My neutral doesn't work either! The 'button' I think you are referring to is the trigger if it this model of throttle. When I removed the top of my throttle (cap as shown in the diagram) a small piece of plastic fell out. After looking carefully at the piece, I found it had broken off the end of the trigger and I believe that this breakage stops the trigger from moving the neutral rod and hence pushing in the locking neutral pin at the base of the throttle. If you have the same breakage, it may be worthwhile extracting the neutral locking pin altogether, otherwise you run the risk of the pin engaging, but no means of disengaging it. The trigger part is no longer available, so if its broken you have to live with it or spend several hundred bucks on a newere throttle. I know which route I would take. I have even thought of trying to remake the trigger in something like solid aluminum, but I don't know if that would be possible.
 
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IslanderVT

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Re: Shifter Interlock Button Stuck?

Thanks britisher and stonyloam....yup it is the Commander....will take it apart and report back on findings.

Does kinda feel like something broke because everything else works fine (he knocks on wood).

Should have an update tomorrow...
 
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monstertails

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Re: Shifter Interlock Button Stuck?

I also have the same problem and have opened it many times and have had no luck, it all started when I tightened the main nut that holds the shifter/throttle on, when I loosen it it seems to work, I just don't get it??? I also can use some help with this problem, I am afraid to go from forward to reverse at the dock and cause out drive problems.
 
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britisher

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Re: Shifter Interlock Button Stuck?

I'd like to add to my earlier posting. I was wrong when I said the part was no longer available. It is still available. The best price I could find was $3.71 + $9.95 for S&H with CrowleyMarine.com. It's a tiny lightweight part, yet one supplier was quoting $41.00 in freight. Good luck to them.
Also I found a Mercontrols Manual online which I downloaded. It covers most Mercury throttles including the Commander. It gives detailed instructions on dismantling, servcing and re-assembly. If you need a copy, just PM as I have no clue how to put the pdf in this thread.
 
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IslanderVT

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Re: Shifter Interlock Button Stuck?

Wow...thanks for the insight everyone! Great to hear the broken trigger part is still available. I didn't get a chance to work on mine last night, but its my top boat priority so I'll try again tonight.

Is there a Mercrusier part number for that part? I looked over the manual, and found the bill of materials but it doesn't include PN's.

We have a couple dealers here in the Islands that have some dusty old stock and might have one....
 
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IslanderVT

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Re: Shifter Interlock Button Stuck?

Yup that was it. The shift interlock lever that goes down inside the handle needs the spring from the trigger to return it to lock, and the lower plastic arm was broken but not separated, so it can't twist the arm back.

Thanks for the help everyone...this ends up being a super simple cheap fix....don't get that often!



 
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