Mercury Remote Control Assembly

[evans5657]

I have a 1991 Mercruiser Alph. The last time we went out we could not engage reverse.
We stopped coming back near the ramp and the engine would not start.
I know the batteries are good and it was as though it was not recognising that it was in neutral.
I have a diagram of the unit but wondered if there is anything I should know or be aware of before I begin to pull it apart

 

[alldodge]

Most likely you need to replace the lower shift cable. For the no start issue it may be out of adjustment or bad switch. Disconnect the shift interrupter switch on the shift plate and see if it will start.

 

[Texasmark]

The Mercury service manual for 3 and 4 cyl. 2 stroke 60-125 hp engines lists a schematic for that switch. The switch is open if the control is in any position other than N. The wire connected to the switch is yellow with red stripe and is power to the starter solenoid....closes the high current contacts to the starter when energized.

Other thing to check is the Lanyard safety switch, if equipped. This one, if open...lanyard pulled out of socket, grounds the yellow black wire to the triggers which is the same mechanism that occurs in the ignition switch when switched to the OFF position.

 

[Chris1956]

Mark, He is talking about a MerCruiser Sterndrive.

Evens, Check the shift cable boot. When they leak, the lower shift cable can corrode, limiting its ability to retract. This can affect reverse.