Engine dies when shifted into reverse.

[BearlyFunctioning]

I just replaced a water pump and starter in my 1982 Sea Ray with a Mercruiser 228 I/O. It ran fine in my driveway, cycling in and out of foreward/reverse/netural. But at the boat launch it dies when going into reverse, like the key has been turned off.

 

[Bt Doctur]

if the shift interupter is activating, you need a new lower shift cable in most cases

 

[BearlyFunctioning]

What is the function of the shift interupter?

 

[Bt Doctur]

to allow you to come out of gear in the water, with a load on the prop. it never works on land or going into gear

 

[BearlyFunctioning]

Are there adjustments that can be done to the lower shift cablecable to help out.

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

HOW TO: How the Shift Interrupt system works
http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engi...3-how-to-how-the-shift-interrupt-system-works

 

[Fishermark]

The cable does need to be adjusted correctly... but if this is something that has just started happening, then the chances are good it is due to a stiff / sticky cable. Try disconnecting the cable at the engine side and see if it slides smoothly by hand into and out of gear.

 

[BearlyFunctioning]

Thank you for the help. This gives me info I can use to start troubleshooting the system.

 

[BearlyFunctioning]

UPDATE........ As it turns out I put a bind in my shift linkage when doing my other work. The info I was given here helped me track down the problem. Thank you.