motor stalls in reverse then wont start back up

[nateo]

When i put it in reverse the motor dies then wont start until a hour or so later. Had boat guy look at it, he claimed the shift cable needs lubed or replaced. He said he tried adjusting it to no avail. Can anyone confirm or suggest alternative? Just wondering why it want start back up right away if its the cable? Its a 86 v8 230hp merc

 

[thumpar]

Re: motor stalls in reverse then wont start back up

Check for voltage at the coil when it won't start. If no voltage check the shift interrupt switch position. It could be the shift cable or mechanism is sticking.

 

[achris]

Re: motor stalls in reverse then wont start back up

Sounds like the seal on the upper shift shaft (in the bell housing) has leaked and the water has gotten into the cable and is causing it to be stiff... Have someone shift into reverse while you watch the shift interrupt switch. I bet it flicks and sticks there.

Time to replace the seal and the shift cable. You'll have quite a bit of cleaning to do too....

Chris.....

 

[Bondo]

Re: motor stalls in reverse then wont start back up

When i put it in reverse the motor dies then wont start until a hour or so later. Had boat guy look at it, he claimed the shift cable needs lubed or replaced. He said he tried adjusting it to no avail. Can anyone confirm or suggest alternative? Just wondering why it want start back up right away if its the cable? Its a 86 v8 230hp merc

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,... Do ya cycle the control lever back to forward, then neutral when ya try to restart,..??

 

[nateo]

Re: motor stalls in reverse then wont start back up

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,... Do ya cycle the control lever back to forward, then neutral when ya try to restart,..??

that idea struck me as well just not until I was driving down the road after l pulled he boat out of the water.

 

[nateo]

Re: motor stalls in reverse then wont start back up

Sounds like the seal on the upper shift shaft (in the bell housing) has leaked and the water has gotten into the cable and is causing it to be stiff... Have someone shift into reverse while you watch the shift interrupt switch. I bet it flicks and sticks there.

Time to replace the seal and the shift cable. You'll have quite a bit of cleaning to do too....

Chris.....

I suspect you're right on the money there. Sticking would explain why it works hours later. Eventually it probably un sticks on its own aftera couple of hours. Now I just need to figure out where the bell housing is . Is the shift cable the red one on top? Thanks for advice by the way.

 

[achris]

Re: motor stalls in reverse then wont start back up

Lower shift cable is the one that runs to the drive (and that's the one that needs replacing). Remote control shift cable runs to (you guessed it) the remote controls. The bell housing is the bell shaped housing the drive bolts onto...

BTW, absolutely nothing will be gained by 'lubing' the cable. It needs replacing.

 

[nateo]

Re: motor stalls in reverse then wont start back up

Lower shift cable is the one that runs to the drive (and that's the one that needs replacing). Remote control shift cable runs to (you guessed it) the remote controls. The bell housing is the bell shaped housing the drive bolts onto...

BTW, absolutely nothing will be gained by 'lubing' the cable. It needs replacing.

Well the plot thickens. Went for another sea trial today. The shift cables seem to be moving freely and easily. They dont appear to be sticking. This time it died when i put it in nuetral then wouldnt start back up. Exhaust flappers are bad would think that would cause it to stall though.

 

[Bondo]

Re: motor stalls in reverse then wont start back up

Well the plot thickens. Went for another sea trial today. The shift cables seem to be moving freely and easily. They dont appear to be sticking. This time it died when i put it in nuetral then wouldnt start back up. Exhaust flappers are bad would think that would cause it to stall though.

Ayuh,.... The odds are the lower shift cable is worn out, 'n draggin' the shift switch, killin' the motor,...

The shift switch is on the shift plate, where the forward control cable, meets the lower shift cable, at the motor,...

 

[thumpar]

Re: motor stalls in reverse then wont start back up

Check the switch when it won't start. I think Bondo is probably right.

 

[nateo]

Re: motor stalls in reverse then wont start back up

Check the switch when it won't start. I think Bondo is probably right.

One other thing i forgot to mention. When it happened today I put gear in forward then went back an forth and what not and it still wouldn't start back up. How do i check the switch? as in what am i looking for?

 

[nateo]

Re: motor stalls in reverse then wont start back up

It stalls in either reverse or sometimes even neutral, when it dies it doesn't start back up for a couple of hours. The remote shift controls don't seem stiff or anything. I called boat shop today, guy at service counter indicated reason it won't start back up may be due to leaking carb. I'm also getting an occasional backfire that I suspect may be carb related. Also I'm only getting about 39mph out it (merc 305 cu in / 18 ft open bow) and others on the internet indicated they are getting up to 50mph out of the same setup (although not sure if that's with a high end type prop).

Shop wanted $300 plus parts to replace shift cable. Bad news is I'm broke as it is and thinking of trying to tackle it myself.

Is it possible that the carb could also be the cause of the motor stalling or might I have two separate issues? Hoping one of you wizards out there can advise.

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: motor stalls in reverse then wont start back up

Cant compair boats with the same motor....different size/ hull shape/ old or new...ect

Do you have a manual for the motor/drive unit you have? If not look in the adult only section at the top of the I/O forum ( Sticky's) and download what you have.

Read up and then post up your results....

Good Luck!

 

[nateo]

Re: motor stalls in reverse then wont start back up

ok finally solved this. Watched Chris' youtube video several times. Turned out that my upper shift cable is of the universal type (not mercruiser brand). It was slightly too short. Parts guy at boat store found a adapter/fitting for the end of the cable that makes it more adjustable specifically for a mercruiser. Got shift cable adjusted properly now and took it out last night. All is well. Thanks guys, you saved my summer as boat dealer said it would probably be end of June before mec could get to it

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: motor stalls in reverse then wont start back up

Thats great nateo.....This is what iboats is all about.
Now you kinow so much more about your boat!

Happy Boating!