Mercontrol Shifter Issues

[Skibonzai]

Wondering as to the interchange for Mercontrol shifters. The attached photo is identical to what I have now in my 65 Holiday. I believe it's original to the boat as it's as hard to shift as a Mack RD66 (if you know, you know). I've seen these for sale on Ebay for $150 but sellers wont stand behind how they actually function or whether they have already been apart.

Can I update to a later unit without too much heartburn? I'd prefer not to drill any more holes but will if it means smoother shifts. Or does anyone have a diagram so I can open it up, clean, grease and reassemble? It's function is mechanical only, I have a key switch on the dash.

Thanks in adcance.

 

[Grub54891]

At a certain point they do wear out. I've messed with some that style and found the housing where the slides are chewed up and bushings shot ect. At this point I'd think you had best look for a new housing control. You could take the chance and get a used one and use parts from both to make it work but it may not go well. Are you sure it's the shifter and not the cables binding up?

 

[Skibonzai]

At a certain point they do wear out. I've messed with some that style and found the housing where the slides are chewed up and bushings shot ect. At this point I'd think you had best look for a new housing control. You could take the chance and get a used one and use parts from both to make it work but it may not go well. Are you sure it's the shifter and not the cables binding up?

I plan on removing the cables this winter and properly lubing them as well. However the shifter has some noticeable play in it and the shift handle itself was sliding horizontally about a 1/4 inch. This weekend we took the boat out and when we got to the ramp the handle was laying on the floor.

 

[Grub54891]

Well then I’d say it’s shot.

 

[matt167]

Mercury used the same control basically until the early 80s. If your control is mechanical only, then you can basically buy one on the used market and pull the wiring out of it. Later ones are black

 

[Scott Danforth]

I plan on removing the cables this winter and properly lubing them as well. However the shifter has some noticeable play in it and the shift handle itself was sliding horizontally about a 1/4 inch. This weekend we took the boat out and when we got to the ramp the handle was laying on the floor.

you cant really lubricate cables. after a while the inner sheath wears out and the cables just need to be replaced

if you cant move the cables with two fingers, replace them. they are about $30 each.

as for your handle moving forward, most likely since the cables are shot, the extra force went somewhere, and that was to elongate the pivot hole.

Me personally, I would start with checking if your control is repairable. if so, fix it. if not, find a good used one off of ebay or craigslist. then buy two new cables.

 

[Chris1956]

A modern Mercury control will mechanically fit and work properly. The wiring will be different. You will need to either update the engine harness or reuse the originally wiring.