2002 Mercury Shifter won't engage

[kcourt]

Hi,<br /><br />I started this for the first time this season today.<br /><br />I held in the button on the shifter side to allow the throttle to engage without engaging the forward/reverse gear.<br /><br />After the engine warmed up, I tried to go and it won't engage the gear. The button seems loose and does not pop out all the way.<br /><br />I took the cowl off the engine and the throttle cable moves but not the shifter. <br /><br />Is this likely just a stuck spring or something? If I remove the shifter mounting screws behind the panel, will I be able to get to what ever mechanism controls this?<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Kevin

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: 2002 Mercury Shifter won't engage

Welcome to iboats. <br /><br />You can frequently get it to pop back in by jiggling the handle when the handle is straight up in neutral. A few squirts of spray grease strategically aimed may help. Going after the mechanism is somewhat nightmarish.

 

[kcourt]

Re: 2002 Mercury Shifter won't engage

Thanks for your response. I'll try to get some grease behind the cap. It did go into reverse once, but then wouldn't do anything.<br /><br />Thanks again.<br /><br />Kevin

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 2002 Mercury Shifter won't engage

if you can try spraying WD 40 with the straw, in any crack or crevice you can. once you get freed work it a couple of times.

 

[kcourt]

Re: 2002 Mercury Shifter won't engage

It works now. Thanks for all the help. Most importantly, thanks for keeping me from taking the thing apart!<br /><br />Kevin