97 5.7 Merc - no forward

Hi There:

Had a great day on the lake with no porblems. Returned to the ramp to load the boat & went to put in gear & have no forward. Have reverse but no forward. Checked lower unit for metal filings in oil - none. Shift cables appear to move freely.

Any ideas?

Thanks a bunch,

Mark

Re: 97 5.7 Merc - no forward

Disconnect the lower shift cable from bracket inside the boat, and see if you can push and pull the inner cable to get it to shift gears. Also see if you can pull the inner cable out of the jacket................ broken cable if you can.

Re: 97 5.7 Merc - no forward

Don S - thanks for the feedback! Am I correct that the lower cable runs from the assembly on the intake manifold down to the outdrive?

Thanks

Re: 97 5.7 Merc - no forward

nomorethan6 said:

Don S - thanks for the feedback! Am I correct that the lower cable runs from the assembly on the intake manifold down to the outdrive?

Thanks

Click to expand...

Ayuh,... That's correct...

Re: 97 5.7 Merc - no forward

What kind of outdrive? Have you done any maintance on it? check oil level?

Re: 97 5.7 Merc - no forward

Hi Guys:

It's a Mercruiser Alpha One
Sorry for my delayed follow up - been traveling on business & just now getting around to look at the boat again.
I took the shift cable off the linkage on the manifold & was unable to pull the cable out of the case. My assumtion is that the cable is not broken. Correct?
Also, when I attempted to move the cable back & forth in the case I could push it into the case (toward the transom) but could not pull it out.
I put it back on the linkage & attempted to repeat the same proceedure. I could move the shift lever into the forward position but could not move it into reverse.
I started the motor & attempted to repeat tyhe procedure. It would move into the forward position w/out engaging the prop. When I attempted to move it into reverse it was very hard & made a grinding sound & finally engaged. However, when I returned the shift lever to the neutral position the prop did not disengage - it stayed in reverse. Once I shut the motor off the prop finally disengaged.

Thanks,

Mark

Re: 97 5.7 Merc - no forward

netting one: It's an Alpha One, I haven't done any maintenance to the outdrive since I've owned it (2 yrs), the oil is full and there's no metal in the oil. I have a receipt from the prior owner indicating they had the lower shift cable replaced several years ago.

Re: 97 5.7 Merc - no forward

nomorethan6 said:

when I attempted to move the cable back & forth in the case I could push it into the case (toward the transom) but could not pull it out.

Click to expand...

With the engine off - have a helper turn the prop counterclockwise and then clockwise while you push and pull the shift cable. It should push and pull easily with very little effort. If it is stuck or stiff, then it is time to replace the cable.

Re: 97 5.7 Merc - no forward

I did as suggested. Cable moves in & out fairly easily. The prop spins freely in neutral. When I push the cable in while spinning it locks up. When I spin the prop the other direction & pull the cable it locks up. I return it to neutral & it free wheels.

Re: 97 5.7 Merc - no forward

Should the shift cable have a fair amount of play between the end of the shift cable bellow & where it goes into the outdrive? It seems to move quite a bit.