Mercruiser shifting problem..

[SabineStalker]

I have a 165 mercruiser with an alpha one outdrive. It runs fine, but I have to kill the engine for shifting from forward to reverse, or vice-versa. Can anyone help?? Is there a switch that locks it out or something?? Id appreciate the help.

[denniz]

Hey sabine, you have a bad shift cable. The one that goes from the engine to the out drive. The switch is working properly, the cable is just too stiff. Fixing it shouldnt be more than $210 labor (max)$100. in parts (cable and gasket)

[magster65]

Maybe check the cutout switch first. Just activate it when the engine is running and make sure it shuts it off. My inlaws was doing that and it was just the switch. A cable adjustment and a soaking of WD 40 fixed it.

[B_Eager]

You can't shift from forward to reverse without shutting it off or does the engine die when you shift??

[denniz]

Sorry re-read the post ,my mistake Yes there is a switch activated by the cable that cuts ign. voltage to let it come out of gear. Have seen some unhooked so it wont die going into gear.

[f_inscreenname]

Been there and done that a couple times (happens a lot when you change motors). Its the cutout switch. Like said before a good lube soaking and a adjustment or two should fix you up.

[max07]

I think I've got the same problem, it won't shift into reverse (it just reves up) but when I shift into forward it stalls out. what do you mean by lube soaking, take the swithch off and submers it?