wont go into forward gear but will go into reverse

[eckored90]

this is a mercusier 140 we had it hooked up to the water hose and it will go in forward gear and reverse but once its in the water all we got is reverse. The guy at the marina that we took it to said it was the shift cable so he fixed it got it on the water it worked for like an hour. the next time we took the boat out it was back to square one all we had was reverse again the guy is telling us it is a dead mans clutch im not sure what that means could someone help us we would like to fix the problem ourselves.

 

[Bondo]

Re: wont go into forward gear but will go into reverse

Ayuh,... With your Info,...
I'd think you need either a New lower shift cable, or possibly a New lower unit...

 

[eckored90]

Re: wont go into forward gear but will go into reverse

so the shift cable has been replaced is there more than one cable?

 

[searay3]

Re: wont go into forward gear but will go into reverse

Really need to know what year as there are several Merc outdrive generations. Go to the top of the forum and check for your engine/drive manuals. There is a cable that comes from the shift lever to the shift plate on the engine. There is another cable, lower shift cable, that goes from the shift plate to the drive. Unhook the lower shift cable from the plate and see if it will shift by hand. It should slide in and out easily. If the cable moves but it does not go into gear, time to pull the drive. Also, pull the drain plug and see what the lube looks like. Shavings or water in the oil means there is internal issues and will have to be repaired or replaced.

 

[eckored90]

Re: wont go into forward gear but will go into reverse

but what is the dead mans clutch mean?????

 

[Bondo]

Re: wont go into forward gear but will go into reverse

but what is the dead mans clutch mean?????

Ayuh,... There's No Such Thing....
And,...
Why did you start ANOTHER thread asking about the SAME issue....

Why don't you Answer the Questions Asked of You,.....????
We can't Help you if you Refuse to provide the REQUIRED INFO.....

 

[eckored90]

Re: wont go into forward gear but will go into reverse

1982 cheetah 1982 mercruiser 140 stock

 

[eckored90]

Re: wont go into forward gear but will go into reverse

my bad its a with the 140hp engine 1984 cheetah 166V

 

[Bondo]

Re: wont go into forward gear but will go into reverse

Ayuh,... Was the shift cable Replaced, or fittled with,..??

There are Gears,+Clutches inside the Outdrive,...
None are serviceable by most DIYers...
And, None are called Dead Man...

There's Alotta info up in the Adults Only thread at the top of this forum,...
Read around,...