Stalling when putting into gear?

[zang8027]

Hey guys,

I bought an 1985 Imperial last year and had it out 3 times before winter hit. Next spring I am going to tackle the only problem that I noticed. When I go to put it in gear (forward or reverse), it likes to stall out. This is after its been running for 10 minutes too. The colder it is, the more it seems to do it. In order to get it to not do it, I almost have to put it gear really fast.

This makes it a challenge to dock and trailer. Call me crazy but i swear it did it when i first put it in, then it was fine when on the lake, and then it did it when i was back near the dock. It usually starts right up without a problem. It' s only when I go to put it into gear. There is only one shifter, throttle and gear in one.

Can anyone point me to a starting point to look at? I wonder if its the clutch on the engine? What else could cause an issue like this?

It is a 470 I think? https://dl.dropbox.com/u/32161380/boat3.JPG

 

[QC]

Re: Stalling when putting into gear?

Take a read of this post: http://forums.iboats.com/mercruiser...nterrupt-system-works-288089.html#post1930449

May be related. Good luck!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Stalling when putting into gear?

Hey guys,

I bought an 1983 Imperial last year and had it out 3 times before winter hit. Next spring I am going to tackle the only problem that I noticed. When I go to put it in gear (forward or reverse), it likes to stall out. This is after its been running for 10 minutes too. The colder it is, the more it seems to do it. In order to get it to not do it, I almost have to put it gear really fast.

This makes it a challenge to dock and trailer. Call me crazy but i swear it did it when i first put it in, then it was fine when on the lake, and then it did it when i was back near the dock. It usually starts right up without a problem. It' s only when I go to put it into gear. There is only one shifter, throttle and gear in one.

Can anyone point me to a starting point to look at? I wonder if its the clutch on the engine? What else could cause an issue like this?

It is a 470 I think? https://dl.dropbox.com/u/32161380/boat3.JPG

Ayuh,... My guess is, yer lower shift cable is worn out, 'n needs replacin'...

 

[Don S]

Re: Stalling when putting into gear?

The model 170 in your picture is a version of the 470. The 170 model number was only used in 85 and 86, so you have a newer engine than your 83 boat. Best to get the serial number off the tag on the engine to make sure what you have. Also, it would be best to get the serial number off your outdrive as well. 82 to 83 was a changeover year for the drives, so you might as well know for sure what you are working on. Here is where you find the numbers.

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: Stalling when putting into gear?

You are going to have to change out the lower shift cable. You can buy a Sierra kit that has everything included except the instructions. Spend the few extra dollars and get the TF Xtreme kit. Lot better kit than the standard kit.

 

[zang8027]

Re: Stalling when putting into gear?

The model 170 in your picture is a version of the 470. The 170 model number was only used in 85 and 86, so you have a newer engine than your 83 boat. Best to get the serial number off the tag on the engine to make sure what you have. Also, it would be best to get the serial number off your outdrive as well. 82 to 83 was a changeover year for the drives, so you might as well know for sure what you are working on. Here is where you find the numbers.

View attachment 176737 View attachment 176738

Sorry, it is an 85! Like I said, just bought it

So it seems like it could be a bad shift cable then eh? Seems like a relatively simple fix. Is there anything that can show signs of a worn out cable on the cable itself?

http://www.**********.com/p/SIE-18-...TFXtreme+Lower+Shift+Cable+Kit+By+Sierra.html

 

[achris]

Re: Stalling when putting into gear?

Rather than following blind guesses, how about doing some diagnostics first....

The check to see if it is the lower shift cable causing the problem is to disconnect one of the wires going to the shift interrupt switch. If removing that switch does stop it stalling, then yes, the lower shift cable is causing the problem. Next question is why... Contrary to popular belief, a worn shift cable WILL NOT cause stalling! What causes stalling is a sticky lower shift cable, and the reason why it's sticky must be found. Most of the time the cause is water ingress by either a leaking shift shaft seal, or gasket, or from water entering the bellows and finding it's way into the shift slide cavity.

Once you have proven the cable as the cause, then you need to remove the drive to further examine the drive end of the shift cable.

In order to understand how the system works, have a read of this excellent article... -> http://forums.iboats.com/mercruiser...nterrupt-system-works-288089.html#post1930449

Chris.......

 

[Don S]

Re: Stalling when putting into gear?

So it seems like it could be a bad shift cable then eh? Seems like a relatively simple fix. Is there anything that can show signs of a worn out cable on the cable itself?

It could be, but before you order anything, pull the drive, disconnect the cable and see if it moves freely. Should move with almost no resistance at all. If you have to push it to make it move, it needs replaced.

PS: iboats sells parts, that's what pays for this site you get all the cool free information from.