Stuck in gear - no neutral

[Incorrigible]

Engine: J225TXESS (1990 225hp)

Intermittent problem. Seems more prevalent after running the engine at high rpms for an extended period.

Engine will not leave gear, shifts from forward to reverse (and vice versa)

Is there any set up/adjustment to the shifter/shift cable?

 

[yoster]

Re: Stuck in gear - no neutral

Don't quote me on this, but I've heard that if the lower end oil is getting water in it or needs to be replaced, it can show that as a symptom.

What's happening is the little clutch piece down there that engages Fwd/Reverse (or stays in the middle for neutral), isn't getting proper lubrication. So when you slide to neutral on the controls, it isn't disengaging. When you go from Rev to Fwd, there's so much tug on the line that it finally pulls out of Rev but then shoots over to Fwd.

Like I said, I've heard that before from a mechanic, but cannot confirm it.

 

[JetBote]

Re: Stuck in gear - no neutral

I have the same thing happening on my 89 Cobra drive. When cold, and servicing that lower shift cable, I can actually shift gears by hand with a little tug or push. I thought a good lube job on the cable fixed it. Next day out, ran 3800 rpm for 30 minutes, it wouldn't disengage. Idled for 10 minutes, she finally popped out of gear.

 

[Incorrigible]

Re: Stuck in gear - no neutral

I can't find any information on shift cable adjustment. I did adjust the throttle cable to the proper specs in an effort to make certain it is activiating the shift interrupt switch (which appears to be working)

Also, after tuning, timing, and syncing the engines last night, I now have a hard time getting one of the engines into reverse.

I know that there is an adjustment lock ring on the shift cable where it mounts to the engine. Is there anyone with any advice on adjustment or a location to find information on how to adjust this?

Thanks