Hard to shift

[Mike Answeeney]

Ok, here's the deal. Recently it's been getting harder and harder to shift into and out of gear, either forward or reverse. Once in gear, throttling was easy. Some suggested the cables so here's what I've done.

I disconnected both cables from the control unit.

The throttle cable moves easily and freely and I can see the throttle mechasim on the engine move accordingly.

The shift cable could not be moved by hand by cable while attached to the engine. Is that normal?
I removed the shift cable from the engine. The cable moves easily and freely by hand.  The shift lever could not be moved by hand with a pair of pliars.  Is that normal? Does the shift lever need the leverage of the control unit to move?

Now to the control unit.
The control unit with no cables will move through the shift motions but then hard stop where throttling usually starts. This happens in both reverse and forward.
In the neutral position, if I press the shift by pass button the throttle moves in both directions all the way easily.

I'm hoping the shift lever is stiff enough that only the control unit can move it and that all I need is a new control unit.

ANy thoughts? Does this make sense?

[Asport-Rog]

Mike-

I have a different control box Morse MT-3 that had similar problems. There were different pivot points for the cable attachments that were adjustable on the control box depending on the make, year and model of the outboard. Basically, the control box had not reached past a point that gearbox was in forward or reverse and it began its acceleration cycle. Not sure if it applies to your control box but it's worth a look.

I found an adjustment for the detent on the Mercury site, again, not sure if this applies but you never know...

http://www.mercurymarine.com/_media/pdf ... ctions.pdf

-Rog

[LilRichard]

If you're saying the shift lever on the motor is stiff, that is not normal... everything should be fairly smooth and relatively easy to operate by hand.  Could be your shift linkage needs to be lubricated.

I live down the street man, why don't you just bring the boat by... or I can swing by?

[Mike Answeeney]

I saw your call just a moment ago. I'm currently on a conference call for work. I'll be done in 15mins, i'll call you.

[DOCREED]

I am having the same problem with one of my merc's  I have been spraying WD40 on to the shift shaft where is heads down to the lower unit. (under the carbs)  It seems to help.

[bdtsr]

Most engines have a pivot point in the front of the engine for the shift linkage. These get corroded and the grease dried out. Some have nylon bushing in these pivot points (just ask how I know!). Take it apart, clean and regrease and all should be well.

[DOCREED]

do you have to remove the powerhead?

[bdtsr]

Usually not. Remove the lower cowls and you should be able tom get to everything. Sorry for the delay in answering.

[Mike Answeeney]

I ended up replacing the cables and that actually worked, even though the other cables seemed to move freely.

Also, talking with the guys at local marina, they said the bushing on the linkage that goes down to the lower unit does cause problems sometimes. He mentioned that he has carefully used a torch to melt the bushing out as a quick and easy solution.