Bravo III shifting problem

[n6xb]

My 1994 Bravo III outdrive has been getting harder and harder to shift. Finally, when we tried to use the boat one day, it was impossible to move the shift handle.

After a little trouble-shooting I found that by removing the back cover on the outdrive #2 below, and then removing the spring and ball #4 and #15 below, the outdrive shifted perfectly! Although shifting was a little sloppy and finding neutral was a little critical. Other than that, shifting was restored to normal. I noticed that the shift arm #14 had quite a bit of rust on it. I cleaned the exposed surface where it detents with the ball and put it all back together, but that didnt seem to make any difference. The rest of the outdrive components under the back cover looked very clean with no corrosion.

I am thinking maybe the rusted shift arm needs to be replaced. What is the procedure for replacing the shift arm? Does the outdrive have to be removed for this procedure?

Any other ideas or comments would be appreciated!

Thank you!

 

[Don S]

Re: Bravo III shifting problem

You probably need a new shift cable, not sure which one at this point, but the resistance put on the cables with the indent ball and spring missing tells the story.
Put the drive back together as it should be (get new seal rings) and disconnect both shift cables from the engines shift plate.
Find the cable for the helm control and have a friend hold the cable by hand and try to prevent you from shifting the control. If you have problems moving the shifter, you found your problem. Replace that cable.
If it was ok, start the engine and try to shift it by moving the cable by hand, if you can't or it's very hard to move, replace the cable.

 

[n6xb]

Re: Bravo III shifting problem

Thank you for the information!

I have had the cables disconnected from the engine shift plate. The upper seems ok, but if the ball and spring are installed, then it is quite impossible to move the lower shift cable. Without the ball and spring, the lower shift cable shifts the outdrive no problem without any binding. My mechanic did replace the lower shift cable 2 years ago due to a different problem.

Do you think that there really cannot be any problem with the outdrive shift arm?

Thank you!

 

[svxtech]

Re: Bravo III shifting problem

You must have the engine running to properly diagnose the lower shift cable in a bravo, the gears have to be moving on the drive shaft for the clutch to engage correctly.