Shifting Problems

[brodie123]

Hi All.

Having some shifting issues and could use some advice before I rip it all apart.

Mercruiser 205 I/O L4

My outdrive stopped shifting gears when we were out last. I assumed I broke a shift cable. The gear shift moves (was sticky a couple times) but would not go out of neutral.

Out of the water, I had someone move the shifter while I watched the shifter on the outdrive. With the engine not running, it appears to shift from F/N/R without issue - checking the prop for gear lock (spin).

With the engine running, the shift interrupt does not seem to engage unless I push hard up on the shift - same for reverse - but then the interrupt engages fully and cuts off the motor.

It almost seems like there is supposed to be a momentary resistance on the shifting out of neutral to engage the interrupt but is now not working? I'm not sure how to describe this type of interrupt, but I can post pics if needed.

I checked the shift cables for damage without pulling the I/O and cannot locate any bad spots.

Before I start pulling stuff apart - can anyone offer some guidance on where to start? Is it a shift cable problem or the interrupt assembly?

With thanks

 

[Bt Doctur]

Check the oil level in the drive, if up to the threads of the top plug, shift into fwd so that the shift shoe is in a straight line and remove the drive. With drive off check operation of the shift cable and slide . Manually try to shift from F ,N,R on the drive .
The shift interupter ONLY should operate coming OUT of gear , IN THE WATER with a LOAD on the prop. No other time. If it does the lower shift cable is bad

 

[brodie123]

Thanks and will do. I should clarify that when the shift is pressed forward, the shifter on the I/O does move. When I press hard on the shifter, (F or R) the interrupt engages and kills the motor.

My 'guess' is that although I cannot find a bad spot on the lower shift cable, it may be bad on the inside??

With the engine off, pressing hard on the shifter, the I/O locks into gear - but only when pressed hard. Gear oil was just put in but I will check that first. Would low oil cause that issue?

I will pull the I/O and see. Sounds like I am at least in the right direction - shift cable vs. interrupt.

Any other advice (if any) is appreciated.

thx!!!