Clunking noise when shifting forward to reverse

[kennfu]

I have a 1965 Mercruiser 120 I/o engine. I go from forward to neutral to reverse and it takes a while to catch and then makes a clunking sound and then goes into reverse. Does not seem like a smooth transition from Forward to Reverse.

 

[thumpar]

Sounds like a lower shift cable warn out or in need of adjustment.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... If this is an ole MC-1 drive, it oughta Clunk goin' into gear, All the time,....

Clunk into forward, pull to neutral, 'n then Clunk into reverse,....

It also has to be shifted into gear, Briskly,...

If yer gettin' multiple clunks, yer shiftin' to slowly,....

 

[ziggy]

agree with Bondo about a mc-1 clunking into gear. my 75 mc-1 does for sure.
but
from the reference material i've got (mercrusier engine/drive model year reference chart), i think a 65 120 is mated to a 1B EZ drive, not a mc-1. 65-66 is 1B EZ, 67 starts the mc-1 drive for a 120. i've no idea if a 1B EZ is suppose to clunk into gear or not.

 

[kennfu]

I was thinking of replacing the shift cable. Do you know the part number? I have a manual on disk and I can find it.

 

[Grandad]

Ya, my '72 Merc 120 I/O clunks too. It's a little unnerving at first to quickly throw the lever 45 degrees while sitting dockside, just to get gear engagement without throttle. I think my cable may be a bit worn out too, but so am I and I still work. - Grandad

 

[thumpar]

The only reason I am suspecting the lower shift cable is the "takes awhile to catch" part. Yes they clunk but shouldn't take any time to "catch".