Wont shift into neutral while running

[Fiveo Invader]

Has anyone had the problem where the boat wont shift into neutral when the motor is running? 1989 Mercruiser 4.3 with an Alpha 1 outdrive.

When the boat is idiling, it runs like a dream. When I try to go to neutral it will go directly into reverse. I know the damage that will be caused by this, and ended the season early last year because of it. Now that its going to be Striper season here in NJ in 2 months, its about the time to fix it.

I can put it in neutral when it is off and then start it fine. The shifter is original and the linkages are all straight. The connection in the outdrive is fine, as I had the drive off a couple times last year. (the boat was not in great shape when i got it).

Any info would be awesome. Is it a new shifter that I need? Please dont tell me that the outdrive needs to come off again.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Don S]

Re: Wont shift into neutral while running

Sounds like the shift interrupt switch isn't working.

When I try to go to neutral it will go directly into reverse.

Can we assume that means you have to pull the lever real hard and when it finally does come out of gear, the pressure just goes right to reverse, right?

With the engine running (at idle, in neutral) go back to the engine on the shift plate and activate the shift interrupt switch by hand, does the engine die? It should.

 

[Don S]

Re: Wont shift into neutral while running

You should also go to the "Adults Only" sticky at the top of the forum and read the thread about how the shift interrupt system works, and also download the OEM service manual for your engine and drive in the service manual link.

 

[Fiveo Invader]

Re: Wont shift into neutral while running

Thanks Don. Im not sure if I tried the trick with the interup switch on the motor, as I was in the ocean at the time and wanted to get back with out Sea Tow. Its winterized now, so in a few weeks, Ill get it running again. Theres too much snow here to do anything right now.

I wanted to get an early heads up so that I could start to order parts. When I dewinterize, I suppose a new impeller and such is recomended also?

I have the motor manual, but not the outdrive. Ill have to find that one on here.

Thanks again. You guys have all been alot of help sine the first day I have worked on this thing.

 

[Don S]

Re: Wont shift into neutral while running

#6 is the outdrive manual.

Look at the summerizing thread in the sticky for the spring TO DO list, and check out the winterizing thread to, make sure you got all that done too. Not just the drain and fog part.

 

[Gazza1]

Re: Wont shift into neutral while running

Usually when that happens it's the shift cable is binding some where and yes you will have to pull the leg so that you can fit a new cable.. I have had the same problem.

 

[Don S]

Re: Wont shift into neutral while running

You have it backwards Gazza, if the shift cable was binding, the engine would die.

 

[Gazza1]

Re: Wont shift into neutral while running

NO don, if the shift cable is sticking or stiff it will load the rocker arm and hold the micro switch open to long and cut the engine. Believe me I have been there and done that with the problem I had. It took me a while to find the problem. I didn't think it was the cable as it was resonably new.. After a lot of looking, found that the shift cable was not in the right place and had cooked it self against the exhaust pipe (that is another story)

 

[Don S]

Re: Wont shift into neutral while running

NO don, if the shift cable is sticking or stiff it will load the rocker arm and hold the micro switch open to long and cut the engine.

I agree 100%, but his engine is NOT stalling, it's not cutting out at all, so the switch is not activating. When you have to push/pull so hard on the control that you can't stop in neutral, the arm is moving, but nothing is happening.

 

[Gazza1]

Re: Wont shift into neutral while running

To add to the above, if you pull the shift hard enough it will go straight into reverse and not stop the engine but if you pull slowly it will stop the engine. Believe me it does happen..
Another reason could be a crook micro switch or a broken wire on it.
Anyway Don, keep up the good work, you are a legend

 

[Fiveo Invader]

Re: Wont shift into neutral while running

Guys, even if I pull slowly, it stays running. It just skips N. I tought that it might be the shifter handle, as I had a problem with the trailering tilt switch in july. the motor would only tilt with the trailer button and no the up buttom. I replaced the switch on the outdrive, and that didnt do it. Had to do the one in the shifter. The cables are not binding because its free and clear when in gear. Runs great and throttle response is not delayed. The only thing is the N problem.
And why are the shifters on the market specific to Mercruiser? i cant just get an inexpensive one? it has to be specific to the manufacter?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Wont shift into neutral while running

And why are the shifters on the market specific to Mercruiser? i cant just get an inexpensive one? it has to be specific to the manufacter?

Ayuh,.... Did you even bother to Test the cutout switch,+ Check it's wiring,..??..??

 

[Fiveo Invader]

Re: Wont shift into neutral while running

I did not test the sut out switch. I cant beleive I completely overlooked that. My confusion is still that the motor never stalled once. its like there just isnt a N in there. I figured it would stall but regardless of how fast or slow the shifter is moved, it stays running.

This could be because my brother and I built the motor and its bullitproof now. just kidding. Thanks for the help.

Ill get to it on thursday evening.