Mercruiser 3.0 Shift Problems

ssimpson

Cadet
Joined
May 4, 2002
Messages
14
I have a 19' SeaRay witha 3.0L Mercruiser/Alpah 1. When I try to shift into forward the boat goes into reverse. I can only get into forward gear if I trim the drive all the way up (trailer) then shift into forward and the gear will engage. I can then trim down and the boat will run fine. Slowing down and shifting into neutral, the boat will eventually shift into reverse. Pressing forward or back on the Shifter will only make me stay in reverse. Then its back to trim up and get into forward gear. Is this just a shift cable adjustment or something wrong with the lower drive. Thanks in advance for the help.
 

495v

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 13, 2002
Messages
432
Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Shift Problems

What year is it and do you have the Commander 3000 shifter on there? There were some recalls.
 

ssimpson

Cadet
Joined
May 4, 2002
Messages
14
Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Shift Problems

It is a 1989' 19'8" SeaRay. Dont know if its a 3000 shifter or not. Dont think that it is.
 

t_bird

Cadet
Joined
Mar 8, 2002
Messages
24
Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Shift Problems

did u recently have the lower unit apart?
 

ssimpson

Cadet
Joined
May 4, 2002
Messages
14
Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Shift Problems

yes I had lower unit apart for slight repair of the "nut" the fits into the lower housing.
 

t_bird

Cadet
Joined
Mar 8, 2002
Messages
24
Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Shift Problems

did u have the shift lever in reverse before u seperated the unit?
 

ssimpson

Cadet
Joined
May 4, 2002
Messages
14
Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Shift Problems

By "seperated the unit" you mean removing the lower shaft? I believe I had it in Neutral when I pulled the lower shaft. Should have had it in Rev?
 

t_bird

Cadet
Joined
Mar 8, 2002
Messages
24
Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Shift Problems

I mean if u seperated the housing that contains the prop, impeller unit from the anode down. yes in reverse
 

ssimpson

Cadet
Joined
May 4, 2002
Messages
14
Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Shift Problems

No I just removed the shaft that holds the prop and gear. Did not remove the entire casing.
 

t_bird

Cadet
Joined
Mar 8, 2002
Messages
24
Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Shift Problems

i am pretty sure the shaft u replaced goes to your forward and rev gears,unfortunately i don't have a manual on your unit any more.maybe call a merc mechanic and quiz him. sorry
 

ssimpson

Cadet
Joined
May 4, 2002
Messages
14
Re: Mercruiser 3.0 Shift Problems

Thanks for your help....I'll try and call a merc guy and see what they say.
 
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