1987 Mercruiser 165 hp IO (neutral problem)

[Jimshoe]

I can easily shift from neutral to drive or from neutral to reverse, but when going from drive or reverse I have trouble getting the shift to neutral. I usually have to go from drive to reverse or reverse to drive before I can get to neutral. It never really feels like the shifter clicks to neutral.

 

[Don S]

Re: 1987 Mercruiser 165 hp IO (neutral problem)

With the engine running, activate the shift interrupt switch and see if the engine dies.

 

[Jimshoe]

Re: 1987 Mercruiser 165 hp IO (neutral problem)

Ignorance. I see a neutral safety switch in the manual (Same thing?). Not sure where to locate.

 

[Don S]

Re: 1987 Mercruiser 165 hp IO (neutral problem)

Ignorance. I see a neutral safety switch in the manual (Same thing?). Not sure where to locate.

Not the same thing.
Might want to have a look at this thread so you can understand the system a bit better. Then you will understand what I was referring to and why.
HOW TO: How the Shift Interrupt system works

 

[Jimshoe]

Re: 1987 Mercruiser 165 hp IO (neutral problem)

The shift interupt switch works. I adjusted the linkage and the shifting feels right but haven't had in the water yet so not sure. Appreciate help and the link so I could learn the how's and whys of the system.