Mercruiser Alpha - Hard/Unsresponsive to shift

K

kaiten2

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Joined
Aug 4, 2012
Messages
5
2008 Mercruiser 4.3 operating as follows:

At rest (engine off)-

Pushing the shift lever forward feels normal
Pushing the shift lever reverse feels still (about 25% more than normal)

With the engine running-

Shifting forward is "delayed' (I have to push the shifter further forward than normal)
Regular shift point just results in gears grinding/not engaging

Shifting into reverse is very difficult (about 100% more than normal)

Shifting into neutral is much more difficult while underway. I can leave the shifter in its regular neutral position, and the transmission will eventually disengage (5-10sec later).

Opinions?
 
E

ENSIGN

Lieutenant Junior Grade
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Jun 21, 2009
Messages
1,179
Re: Mercruiser Alpha - Hard/Unsresponsive to shift

Sounds like a binding/ corroded lower shift cable.
 
K

kaiten2

Recruit
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Aug 4, 2012
Messages
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Re: Mercruiser Alpha - Hard/Unsresponsive to shift

ENSIGN said:
Sounds like a binding/ corroded lower shift cable.
Click to expand...

OK, I'll take a look.

I was assuming corrosion wouldnt be a factor, considering the boat has about 90 hours on it.

Thanks for the tip.
 
Don S

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
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Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Mercruiser Alpha - Hard/Unsresponsive to shift

I doubt you have lower shift cable problems, if it was binding the engine would stumble or die. It sounds a lot like the cables going into your control are binding. Make sure they are free to swing up and down coming out of the control. If they are tied up and anchored to the boat that prevents this movement, it will be hard to shift.
 
K

kaiten2

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Aug 4, 2012
Messages
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Re: Mercruiser Alpha - Hard/Unsresponsive to shift

Don S said:
I doubt you have lower shift cable problems, if it was binding the engine would stumble or die. It sounds a lot like the cables going into your control are binding. Make sure they are free to swing up and down coming out of the control. If they are tied up and anchored to the boat that prevents this movement, it will be hard to shift.
Click to expand...

OK, I took the controls apart (removed the cotter pin to the throttle lever) and just shifted by rotating the pawl connected to the lower shift cable (the cable that goes directly to the leg, I assume).

Same issue, hard to rotate the pawl into reverse position, and difficult/delayed to find neutral on the way back from forward.

(No throttle connected here, boat running at idle)

Thanks for the help so far!
 
K

kaiten2

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Aug 4, 2012
Messages
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Re: Mercruiser Alpha - Hard/Unsresponsive to shift

Also noticed drive fluid was very low... topped it up, no change.
 
Don S

Don S

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Messages
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Re: Mercruiser Alpha - Hard/Unsresponsive to shift

This control may not look like yours, but the working parts are the same. See if it may be part of your problem.

View attachment SB 2002-11.pdf
 
K

kaiten2

Recruit
Joined
Aug 4, 2012
Messages
5
Re: Mercruiser Alpha - Hard/Unsresponsive to shift

Don S said:
This control may not look like yours, but the working parts are the same. See if it may be part of your problem.

View attachment 162524
Click to expand...

Disconnected the controls, and the action feels normal in both forward and reverse with no cables connected.

As per the service bulletin, I think I would be expecting resistance with the cables disconnected.

hmmm.
 
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