stiff shifting/ throttle cable

[bobuk]

Hello, after suffering from stiff shifting i removed the cable from the shifter to the carb and found that the shift freed up I then checked the carb linkage which also was free. But when the throttle cable and the carb linkage are connected it all stiffens up! Any ideas why? Can a small mechanical effort on a defective cable cause the shifter to stiffen up?<br />Thanks in advance Bob

 

[Don S]

Re: stiff shifting/ throttle cable

Just a bad cable. When a cable gets to the point that even the slightest back pressure binds it up inside, it needs replaced.

 

[markvictor]

Re: stiff shifting/ throttle cable

You need to check the lower shift cable that runs from the engine to the lower unit...this cable is often the first to go, it takes very little resistance to cause problems, and as it is often submerged it can be affected by a leaky shift-cable bellows. A telltale indicator of that can be seen if you look on the engine directly under the end of the lower shift cable, if you see any water spots or mineral deposits you most likely have a leak and need to replace the bellows and should also replace the lower shift cable....This is not always evident, but often is..(this applies to a mercruiser,you did not specify your drive type...)<br />Regards,<br />markvictor<br /><br /> http://groups.google.com/group/badboatbiz

 

[Don S]

Re: stiff shifting/ throttle cable

But when the throttle cable and the carb linkage are connected it all stiffens up! Any ideas why?

When disconnecting and reconnecting the throttle cable on the CARB makes the difference, that kind of eliminates the shift cable as the problem.

 

[bobuk]

Re: stiff shifting/ throttle cable

Thanks guys, guess i'll be ordering a throttle cable<br /><br />cheers bob

 

[markvictor]

Re: stiff shifting/ throttle cable

The problem with that theory, Don, is that the forward or reverse gear should be fully engaged before the throttle cable ever moves...So either it is not a "shifting" problem at all, or the cables are sorely out of adjustment.. "throttle effort" should have no effect on gear engagement.And what is the situation if the shifter is operated in the throttle only mode,that would be a clearer indication of "throttle effort" from the control box, which in turn would give a better indication of a problem with the cable..I'm not saying the cable isn't possibly bad, but if it is hard shifting there is more than just a bad throttle cable in the mix...