Trouble shifting into and out of gear

[medunwoody@aol.com]

I have a 1976 mercruiser 888 I/O. For the past year whenever I shift it into nuetral, the engine will sometimes die or almost die. The last few times out on the water however, whenever I shift it into gear, it will sit there clicking for second before it engages into gear. I was just wondering if it is the lower shift cable sticking and how hard it is to replace. Also, ever since I have had the boat there has been a slow leak through the sterndrive somewhere.

 

[Don S]

Re: Trouble shifting into and out of gear

The shift cable between the engine and the drive is the #1 cause of the problem. It's holding the shift interrupt switch engaged due to binding in the cable.<br />Replace it and all should be fine.<br /><br />Here is some info you may find useful.<br /> http://www.mercstuff.com/howdoi.htm