Merc 500 cable controls

7

79Glastron

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 18, 2007
Messages
256
On my 500, I have a lot more travel moving forward before it starts advancing the throttle. However, in reverse, it does not have enough travel to allow it to shift into reverse before it starts advancing the throttle. Does that make sense? This seems like a control issue more than a motor issue? I'm not 100% sure.
Thanks!
 
ajgraz

ajgraz

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Mar 1, 2010
Messages
1,858
Re: Merc 500 cable controls

Sounds to me like the "barrel" shaped adjuster on the shifter control cable (at the motor) needs to be turned forwards a number of turns to bring the throttle advance and shift levers into better adjustment.

(Or on second thought, the adjuster on the throttle cable turned backwards a number of turns)
 
A

AugustMoose87

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 21, 2010
Messages
36
Re: Merc 500 cable controls

I'm having the exact same problem with my 800 merc.

I was going to try adjusting the cable controls, but I wasn't sure... i set everything up in nuetral, so I'm worried that adjusting enough to make a difference with reverse will screw other stuff out.

I was also wondering if it would be the shift shaft... I had issues getting put back together when I pulled my lower unit out, so I'm wondering if I'm maybe a tooth of with that or something.

Anybody have any other info on this???
 
A

AugustMoose87

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 21, 2010
Messages
36
Re: Merc 500 cable controls

Figured I'd share my follow up in case anyone else finds this thread...

I took the cover off the motor and started playing with the "barrels" on the shifting cable. Moved it back a few turns, tested and repeated. Kinda a PITA, but after 30 min or so I got it set.

So as long as the throttle is acting normally in forward, you shouldn't have to mess with the throttle cable, just the shift cable.
 
7

79Glastron

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 18, 2007
Messages
256
Re: Merc 500 cable controls

Well, the problem I'm still having is it would NOT fully shift into reverse. When in neutral, you don't have to advance the throttle very much before it shifts into forward. You have to go past the detent for neutral into reverse so it shifts out of forward. I have taken all the adjustment out of the shift cable. It seems like the shift cable is too short. My controls were for the `70 500, I now have a `75 500 on it, my `75 500 has a square shift shaft so I don't think I can get any adjustment there. Any idea's?
Thanks!
 
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