[mlonas]

I am restoring a 1975 SRV180 and had it painted during the winter. I took it to the lake for a quick test drive and found that the drive will not go into forward (it worked just fine before I winterized it). The paint shop did no disassembly other than cosmetic stuff. The engine stalls as soon as I shift from neutral into forward. Reverse works just fine. I acquired a shop manual and began troubleshooting. I thought I would go through the shift cable adjustment procedure and discovered that when I shift to full forward, the clutch does not engage when I turn the prop counterclockwise. It engages in reverse just fine. I disconnected the cable and moved the shift lever (at the motor) as far as it would go each way. Reverse engaged just fine, forward would not engage. I'm not a mechanic and would very much appreciate and suggestions on further troubleshooting techniques. Thanks much.

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

What engine do you have?

[Haut Medoc]

Welcome to iboats.....
My advice is to replace the lower shift cable......
I'm assuming you have a Merc. Alpha 1.......

[Scott in MN]

Disconnect the lower shift cable at the shift plate. Push in on the cable as far as it will go while turning the prop counter clockwise. It should go in gear.

[mlonas]

Thanks for the welcome and replies. The engine is the 165 HP GM. I did disconnect the lower shift cable at the shift plate and push and it did not go into gear. Bad cable?

[Haut Medoc]

Most likely....
Now you need to pull the drive & do test to see if it will go into gear by turning the shift shaft....

[mlonas]

I was afraid that was coming. I don't know that I can do that by myself so I suppose the search for a mechanic is next. Thanks for the info.

[SeaRay_SRV_180]

where do you live?

I've got a couple guys here in California... let me know where you live.

[mlonas]

I live just outside of Nashville, TN. Thanks....