Why cant I shift gears?

[Fiveo Invader]

Gentlemen,

After finally figuring out this older boat life style, I have another problem. I thought that I finally had them all sorted out.

My 1989 4.3 Merc A1 will not shift correctly. It will bind really bad, if it goes into to gear. The motor stalls sometimes and sometimes it stays running.

Where do i start? I can barely get the trottle only button to work. Is it the cable, the shifter itself, the kill microswitch thing? its running great now and alot of fun, except when you need to shift it its binding. sometimes it will slide into reverse and then the selctor will be positioned into forward and when you move it to proceed forward its still in reverse and then it slams you in to the windshield. its a severe selection problem.

Any information would of course be a huge help.

Everyone have a wonderful weekend and a great start to the summer of 2009!!

 

[cooter2506]

Re: Why cant I shift gears?

You need the lower shift cable replaced. Look up in the adult only sticky and download the manual for your drive it will have all the instructions on removal and replacement.

 

[Fiveo Invader]

Re: Why cant I shift gears?

So that involves pulling the drive i suppose. i did that three times last year, thanks ill check out the manuals.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Why cant I shift gears?

I agree that it is likely the lower shift cable. But make sure your shift interupt switch is working. With the engine running manually depress the switch and see if the engine dies. It should. If it doesn't, then you have other problems.