Shift issue on 78 mercruiser I/O

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draw42

draw42

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My shift cut out switch is sticking when shifting from reverse to neutral, but isn't sticking in any other direction. So my question is can I put some cable lube or something to free it up or am I going to need to replace it. (I will replace it at the end of the season I just would like to get out on the water)
 
Fishermark

Fishermark

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Re: Shift issue on 78 mercruiser I/O

Your problem isn't the switch - it is the lower shift cable. That's what needs to be replaced.
 
draw42

draw42

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Re: Shift issue on 78 mercruiser I/O

Right I gathered that it is the cable. I am just wondering if I can free up the cable a little bit and get a couple trips out of it, or if that would be increadibly foolish. Right now (on land) when it dies i just go back push the switch and restart. No problems going into forward, neutral (from forward) or reverse. Only gets caught up shifting out of reverse.
 
Fishermark

Fishermark

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Re: Shift issue on 78 mercruiser I/O

You can certainly try to lube it if money is tight... but ultimately it will need to be replaced. You will not hurt anything by using it for a few more trips.
 
draw42

draw42

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Re: Shift issue on 78 mercruiser I/O

Thanks a lot fishermark. It isn't so much the money as finding someone to do it before the weekend and I am in graduate school so I don't have the time to learn how to tear down my outdrive, and do a good job of it. I have a sneaking suspicion I am going to embarass myself at a boat launch though:facepalm:
 
Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1

Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1

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Re: Shift issue on 78 mercruiser I/O

You'll have to do it like they land the space shuttle, one shot deal! :D

Or have couple mates on board that can assist when you get to the ramp. Don't think I would be driving the boat on the trailer though, pull it on by rope, unless you are good to get it in 1-try.
 
81 Checkmate

81 Checkmate

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Re: Shift issue on 78 mercruiser I/O

Just be clever, Unload boat have someone hold it steady by the dock. Get all loaded up, hop in and have someone push you hard so you dont have to use reverse. You should have it in neutral already then click in forward and go. Money and time always go together after this weekend do alot of resurch and you can do the job yourself. Its realy not to hard plus iboats is a great source of info.

Good Luck!
 
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