Mercruiser outdrive will not shift into gear

[tekknosk8er]

I need some ideas of where to start on this one.

I have a 1989 Rinker V205, that has a 2.3L Mercruiser and I believe a Bravo One outdrive.

Since I have owned this boat, bought it last year, everytime I put the boat into gear it always made a "thunk" sound, kinda like a car does when you have bad U-joints, but it has always worked. The throttle neutral button to rev the motor however never worked, it would never go to neutral.

Now, last time out when putting it into gear it made a funny sound like a "clanking" sound in the outdrive but continued to drive. After a few minutes underway I put it back in neutral to inspect, and tried to put it back in gear, and now it will not at all go into gear, either forward or reverse.

Could someone tell me what to look for, or what it could be? I have been on several websites looking at breakdowns of the outdrive, seems easy enough to change parts, just a pain. I do not know where to start with this however.

 

[jaycozer]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive will not shift into gear

I just put my boat in the shop with this issue. It sucks because usual hiccups revolve around engine power. Anyhow..Shifter control cable will probably be starting point. If it is broken then it will need to be replaced. That was our attack but it appears fine. Mechanic said one more possible easier fix could be that in the remote throttle box the cable may have disconnected. If not then I think replacing the whole remote throttle control box may be the next thing. Throttle works in both forward and reverse so our focus is in shifter.

You might find some info. I have a couple responses on another thread in here. It might be under "throttle arm".

I will try to keep you up on how mine turns out. Let me know if you find anything if you get the chance.

 

[jaycozer]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive will not shift into gear

For better reading on this issue:

Go to search, then click advanced search. Type "shifting issue" then limit it to Mercruiser, OMC... forum under Repair and Maintenance. There are a some threads with similar type of issues.

 

[tekknosk8er]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive will not shift into gear

Something else to add, not sure if this is correct. I followed the shifter cables (2) back to the top of the engine, and they move together in the same direction. Is this correct? I thought they moved in opposite directions or 1 for forward 1 for reverse. Does not seem right to me. I am wondering if I should be looking at replacing the shifter cable? Other posts on here for hard shifting at least point to the shift cable. Not looking forward to tearing this outdrive apart without some idea of what to change. I've been watching videos all day on youtube showing how to disassemble a merc outdrive, doesnt look to bad, too bad they fail to mention symptom/troubleshooting.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive will not shift into gear

2.3 seems like a small motor to have a Bravo drive.
1 http://mercstuff.com/ficheb.htm
2 http://mercstuff.com/ficheh.htm
3 http://mercstuff.com/fichea.htm

 

[jaycozer]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive will not shift into gear

2 cables from the throttle arm. One cable for shifting and one cable for throttle. The throttle should continue to carb and you can watch that move if engine cover is open and you are moving the arm. It should move whether you are in gear or throttle only (it sounds like that feature is not working right now on your boat).

Obviously if shifter cable is working it should move also. There are some threads out there that can tell you how to troubleshoot that visually better.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive will not shift into gear

2.3 seems like a small motor to have a Bravo drive.
1 http://mercstuff.com/ficheb.htm
2 http://mercstuff.com/ficheh.htm
3 http://mercstuff.com/fichea.htm

Ayuh,.... Never seen a 2.3l/ Bravo either...

Got any Serial #s,..??

 

[achris]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive will not shift into gear

Ayuh,.... Never seen a 2.3l/ Bravo either...

Got any Serial #s,..??

Merc never made a 2.3l. OMC did.... a Ford engine with a Cobra drive.... Runaway..