1989 Regal with Mercruiser I/O

[JHurst]

I have a 1989 Regal with 3.7 Litre (4 cylinder OD ) Mercuiser I/O Motor. When I shift into forward or neutral, it will not go back into reverse, unless I turn off engine. Shifter becomes very tight ( cable ) , and will not go back into neutral. This happens in open water only and not on land where it will shift fine with hose connected to outdrive to start motor and check outdrive. Any suggestions?

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: 1989 Regal with Mercruiser I/O

You need a new lower shift cable ,or the shift interupter is not working properly.

 

[Grub54891]

Re: 1989 Regal with Mercruiser I/O

Disconnect the lower cable,and shift it by hand,motor running,on the muffs in the driveway. How does it "feel" if stiff it is the lower cable. It will feel a bit stiff even when new,but experience tell's ya where it's at. With the drive off,both ends unhooked,it should feel pretty darn smooth,if not it needs replacing. Then with it still unhooked,motor off try the helm shifter,if it is hard to move then the controll or cable running down is the issue. Usually it's just the lower cable that hang's up.
Grub

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: 1989 Regal with Mercruiser I/O

Welcome!! read this to understand what's going on...... ( from Don'S sticky at the top of the forum... check out the rest there's tons of info there)

HOW TO: How the Shift Interrupt system works
http://forums.iboats.com/mercruiser...nterrupt-system-works-288089.html#post1930449

My WAG is the lower cable is worn out and the shift interruptor was disconnected because when one shifted gears the engine stalled out... which is classic worn lower shift cable.