Which cable stops reverse from working?

limoman · Aug 20, 2012

I know the reverse/forward cable is broken because it goes forward no matter what I do.
Which one of these control the forward/reverse engagement? Both are the same part number but go to different locations in the rear. This is a 90 hp Mariner on a 90 Bayliner Capri

Thanks in advance.

roscoe · Aug 20, 2012

Re: Which cable stops reverse from working?

Can't tell which cable from the photo.

But, one cable operates the throttle. It makes a long and continuous movement as the control lever is moved forward.

And one cable operated the shift lever. It makes a short movement and then stays stationary as the other cable continues to move.
This cable will move either forward or aft, depending on which way you move the shift lever.

Generally if a cable "goes bad", it doesn't work at all.

If it goes into forward gear no matter "what you do", I would suspect a problem in the controls at the helm.

louiefl · Aug 21, 2012

Re: Which cable stops reverse from working?

Looks like the bottom one is the shift cable. Have someone move the remote handle forward while you watch the engine. One of the cables (I believe the upper one) should cause linkages to move and the carb throttle plate to rotate (do this with the engine off). Once in gear (either forward or reverse) the prop will "lock" and you will not be able to spin by hand (again, do this with the engine off).

Once you figure out which one is not the throttle, with the engine off and control in neutral, loosen the clamp securing the cable at the engine (can't see how it is attached from the picture, but disconnecting the shift cable from the linkage would be best). Actuate the metal bar forward and reverse - the prop should lock in both directions and free spin in neutral. If all looks well at the engine, you likely have a bad cable or a problem at the remote.

Stachi · Aug 21, 2012

Re: Which cable stops reverse from working?

The shift cable may have broken while it was in forward position. If you study the cables and linkage at the engine you should be able to determine the shift cable. Trace the linkage back from the throttle to a cable. That cable will not be the shift cable. Once you have determined the shift cable,remove it from where it attatches at the engine. Now pull on that end of the cable....if it pulls out of the sheath it is broken. If it doesn't, you may have a problem at the helm OR the lower unit.

limoman · Aug 22, 2012

Re: Which cable stops reverse from working?

Thanks for the information my friends. I will be back down there toady to peek around and figure it out. I know very little about boats but tons about mechanics and asphalt vehicles. Thanks again for the advice...

limoman · Aug 22, 2012

Re: Which cable stops reverse from working?

Well thanks for your help but apparently it isn't the cable. I can watch the cable go from forward and to reverse passing the momentary type neutral switch. I guess it is in the lower unit somewhere.

Dang it... No easy fixes here that's for sure.

louiefl · Aug 22, 2012

Re: Which cable stops reverse from working?

I'd still disconnect the cable from the arm and then engage it by hand - see if the prop locks as mentioned above. It could simply be out of adjustment and what looks like it is going into reverse, may only be pushing it part of the way.

limoman · Aug 23, 2012

Re: Which cable stops reverse from working?

louiefl said:
I'd still disconnect the cable from the arm and then engage it by hand - see if the prop locks as mentioned above. It could simply be out of adjustment and what looks like it is going into reverse, may only be pushing it part of the way.

Thanks for the help. I found the problem and for once it is cheaper & more simple than a new cable IMO.

Stachi · Aug 23, 2012

Re: Which cable stops reverse from working?

Yep , that'll do it every time ! Glad you found it! Have you found a replacement pin ? What ever you do ....DO NOT rotate the lower rod...that will screw up the adjustment !

limoman · Aug 24, 2012

Re: Which cable stops reverse from working?

Stachi said:
Yep , that'll do it every time ! Glad you found it! Have you found a replacement pin ? What ever you do ....DO NOT rotate the lower rod...that will screw up the adjustment !

And how would you rotate that rod?

Stachi · Aug 24, 2012

Re: Which cable stops reverse from working?

that rod is threaded at the bottom end to make the adjustment in the lower unit. If you twist it (rotate it) you would alter the adjustment. Trust me you do not want that headache !

limoman said:
And how would you rotate that rod?

limoman · Aug 25, 2012

Re: Which cable stops reverse from working?

I haven't touched it thank goodness. Thanks for the heads up.

Stachi · Aug 26, 2012

Re: Which cable stops reverse from working?

You're welcome.....one Bayliner Capri owner to another....

limoman said:
I haven't touched it thank goodness. Thanks for the heads up.

Which cable stops reverse from working?

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