Mercruiser 140 reverse cable adjustment

[jackball42]

1977 Mercruiser 140 goes into forward gear fine but when I shift into reverse it doesnt engage quite right. It catches for a moment and then releases and then finally catches. Can I adjust the shifter cable to correct this?

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: Mercruiser 140 reverse cable adjustment

You can try:

How old is the lower shift cable from the engine bracket to the drive?

 

[jackball42]

Re: Mercruiser 140 reverse cable adjustment

I dont know how old the cable is, it was in the boat when I got it. It could be anywhere from 1977 to 2005.

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: Mercruiser 140 reverse cable adjustment

A lower shift cable new in '05 is even overdue for replacement. If the bellows are as old they are also due for replacement.
Recommended every 5-6 years.

Here is a link to your service manual, online version only, cannot download, but can flip thru pages and print as needed. You will need either Manual 2 or 3 depending on the year of the engine/drive:
http://boatinfo.no/lib/library.html#

they are huge files so will take a couple to open up.