Mercruiser shifting adjustment.

[SimpleM]

I have not had a boat since 1994, so I am not sure if I am just remembering wrong, but it feels like my recently purchased boat has an awful lot of travel before it shifts into gear both forward and reverse. In forward it is so much that the engine is revving (slightly) before it drops in. I am past 10 O'clock to get to forward, and 2 O'clock for reverse. I had exactly the same package in my last boat, even from the same year, and it feels to the memory like it was not as far either direction. Also, you have to "hold your mouth just right" to get it to go into throttle only mode... the button will only press in if you wiggle the handle just so. So, any opinions? Are my controls needing to be replaced? Cables need adjusting? Driving skills needing sharpening & lubrication?

1987 3.0 Mercruiser, Quicksilver "Commander" shifter.

Thanks for all help.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Mercruiser shifting adjustment.

there is no adjustment to the cables... once they are set they are set.
Most likely your lower shift cable is bad. But it's possible both cables are bad.
Get a manual, set the cables, and see if it still gives ya trouble. If it does then dissconect the cables and lock the shifter in nuetral and see if you can pull the cables in or out. If you can the and you can't feel the box moving, then its the cables. If you can and you can feel the box moving then its the box. If you replace the box then use new cables no matter what. Boxes do wear out.
Either way, it should not be reving up before shifting.