4.3 mercruiser shutdown going into reverse

[1990 Maxum 21' cuddy]

Folks I am new to boating but have been working on engines for a while. I have a 1990 Maxum with a Mercruiser 4.3L. Motor starts and runs great, goes into forward no problem but everytime I go to reverse the engine dies. I have a manual and it says the lower control cable need adjustment. I tried to follow the steps but it is not working properly. I tried adjusting both ways but nothing. I found that if I go back and forth from neutral to reverse multiple times and get the RPMS up it will go.

1)Can some one tell me how to adjust this cable properly so it won't shutdown?

2) The outdrive does make a clunk when I go from for-rev and back again, is this suppose to happen?

3) When in reverse it sounds like gears are grinding, what the heck is this?

4) How do you change the oil on this thing? Is there a drain plug on the pan or do I have to pump it out the filler tube? Whats the easiest way to change the oil?

5) I also noticed that the engine does surge a bit, thoughts? Rebuild the carb? Fuel pump? filter? ignition?

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: 4.3 mercruiser shutdown going into reverse

Folks I am new to boating but have been working on engines for a while. I have a 1990 Maxum with a Mercruiser 4.3L. Motor starts and runs great, goes into forward no problem but everytime I go to reverse the engine dies. I have a manual and it says the lower control cable need adjustment. I tried to follow the steps but it is not working properly. I tried adjusting both ways but nothing. I found that if I go back and forth from neutral to reverse multiple times and get the RPMS up it will go.

1)Can some one tell me how to adjust this cable properly so it won't shutdown?
The cable most likely needs replacement......

2) The outdrive does make a clunk when I go from for-rev and back again, is this suppose to happen?
Normal......

3) When in reverse it sounds like gears are grinding, what the heck is this?
It is not fully engaging due to the worn out cable.....

4) How do you change the oil on this thing? Is there a drain plug on the pan or do I have to pump it out the filler tube? Whats the easiest way to change the oil?
Pump it out of the dipstick tube....Stearns makes one, about $30.....
5) I also noticed that the engine does surge a bit, thoughts? Rebuild the carb? Fuel pump? filter? ignition?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Change the water separating fuel filter for starters, it looks like an oil filter & is located near your fuel pump......

 

[Bondo]

Re: 4.3 mercruiser shutdown going into reverse

1)Can some one tell me how to adjust this cable properly so it won't shutdown?

2) The outdrive does make a clunk when I go from for-rev and back again, is this suppose to happen?

3) When in reverse it sounds like gears are grinding, what the heck is this?

Ayuh,...

1),... Your Lower Shift Cable is Junk,..... Replace it.....

2),... See #1....

3),... See #2.....


Btw,..... Welcome Aboard to the forums here at iboats.com.....

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: 4.3 mercruiser shutdown going into reverse

no adjustment will make up for a bad lower cable.

 

[180shabah]

Re: 4.3 mercruiser shutdown going into reverse

+1 - replace the cable

But first go the adults only and download a REAL manual for your engine AND drive.

 

[cannonford57]

Re: 4.3 mercruiser shutdown going into reverse

tried for over an hour to bow to the gurus,a lot like the sopranos i guess,and i know they want to ask but wont do it so i'll take the bullit...CPTSKI,what is the SHAD?guess its my ignorance but i have to know.......