mercruiser shift cable problem

[QSS]

hi guys i have a regal with a 5.7lt mercruiser in it its a 315 hp and i,m having a problem when i shift from fwd to neutral then to reverse the motor cuts out. there is a small what seems to be a switch on one of the manifolds that gets activated when the shift cable comes back and touiches it and grounds the ignition wire,i,ve adjusted it to the best possible but if i wind the idle down to where it should be it cuts out when shifting from fwd to rev. i tried to bypass the switch and it won,t shift if i do that.all i,ve done is wound up the idle to around 1200rpm to stop it but this is too high when cruising around the canal. what does this switch/plunger switch actually do? should i get a new one or does anyone know how i can fix it. any help would be greatly appreciated thanks.

 

[djvan]

Re: mercruiser shift cable problem

I can't answer your question, but I know that if you post your exact year model and what generation drive you have others will give you very good recomendations. (I.E.. alpha one generation 1 or alpha one generation 2 etc.)

Engine and drive serial numbers are also a plus.

DougV>

 

[Trent]

Re: mercruiser shift cable problem

This is a very common problem. Its time to replace the lower shift cable because it is sticking. This is causing your engine stall.

 

[bomar76]

Re: mercruiser shift cable problem

Ditto on the lower shift cable needing replaced.
And screwing the idle up to 1200 RPM will destroy you drive in no time at all.
While they are doing the lower shift cable it's a prime time to really examine the drive bellows, ujoints and gimble bearing for a possible replacement.

 

[QSS]

Re: mercruiser shift cable problem

This is a very common problem. Its time to replace the lower shift cable because it is sticking. This is causing your engine stall.

thanks trent is this the cable to the leg your talking about? and can that be changed easily enough without pulling leg off etc?

 

[Don S]

Re: mercruiser shift cable problem

You have to pull the drive to replace the cable, but that is the easy part.
What year drive do you have?

 

[QSS]

Re: mercruiser shift cable problem

ok thanks whats the hard part then i,m not sure of year model don i think its either 97 or 98 i will find out when i get back home. what else is involved as i am going to do this myself. i don,t have a manual but i am a mechanic by trade so i am capable.

 

[Don S]

Re: mercruiser shift cable problem

Since it's newer than a 91, then it's an Alpha I Gen II outdrive.

Here's the link to the manual.
http://www-alt.mercurymarine.com/mnetdata/SERVICE/CRUISER/Servmanl/14/14cover.pdf

About 25MB in size.

Go to section 4A

 

[QSS]

Re: mercruiser shift cable problem

thanks heaps i,l get into it.