Frozen Shift Cable

[Joe Dillon]

Purchased this 1976 Grady White "Pacer" at the end of last season. Boat has the 4cyl
Merc. the shift lever seems to be frozen. The engine starts but when I attempt to engage the prop the shift lever is very stiff and the engine cuts out when I move the shifter. Any way to correct this problem ? This is my 1st boat and I'm a novice to boating. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Frozen Shift Cable

Any way to correct this problem ?

Ayuh,... Replace the offending cable,...

Probably the Lower shift cable...
Disconnect 'em at the shift plate to see which is the problem...


Btw,... Welcome Aboard, 'n please read the forum Rules...

 

[Joe Dillon]

Re: Frozen Shift Cable

Thanks for the quick response, Didn't expect one so soon. If i disconnmect the shift cable at the shift plate which I assume is by the transom will it throw anything out of alignment? Also is there a way to unfreeze the cable by greasing it and trying to move it or would this do any damage? While I'm feeling like an idiot I have another dumb question, the steering is stiff also but I don't know if this is because there is no power steering or just the way it should be. It reminds me of steering a car with no powere steering and trying to get out of a parking space. And yes I'm old. And I will read the rules .