outdrive grinds going into forward???

[joetheis]

This is on a 1980 Pre Alpha outdrive with a 228, (305) V-8 engine.
Also, just had the lower cable replaced.
Will do it warm, cold no difference.
9 out of 10 times, it goes into gear, prefect, ,maybe @ the 10 O clock position.
But, the 10th time, it'll grind.
I'll slip the lever forward and it'll engage JUST as the throttle starts to come on.
The oil was changed last fall, with regular Mercury lower unit oil, (not synthetic- was afraid with the age, I'd start seal seeping).
I really don't remember this doing this before the cable, (course it stalled going into reverse).
I tried turning the barrel on the adjusted 3-4 turns each way, (lower cable adjustment), to see if I could get rid of it.
Any ideas?
Joe

 

[Fishermark]

Are you shifting firmly, or gently? Gently is bad. Firmly is good. You want a swift firm shift into gear or it will grind.

 

[joetheis]

You know, I couldn't really tell you.
I know it I'm not "slamming" it in gear, but not "***** footing" it in gear either.
I will be more "aggressive" with the lever and see if that cures it!
Thanks
Joe

 

[grewvin1]

Give the top shift cable adjust barrel one turn clockwise and the shift throw will be a little sooner. If messes things up turn back to original, but should help.

 

[thumpar]

You don't need to slam it into gear but you do need to do it swiftly. If you don't the clutch dogs won't engage fast enough. The cable may need a little more adjustment it that doesn't work. On some there is a lower shift cable throw adjustment at the shift plate that may need adjustment.

 

[Condor1970]

Yep, the adjustment made from getting it replaced might be a little off. Just give the barrel a turn or two, and see if that helps.

The other possibility, is that your old outdrive has a clutch that is getting worn out. Thsi is normal for its age. There is also a slot in the cable linkage arm on top of the engine. After adjusting your cable, if it still has trouble, then you can move the cable over in the slot in 1/8" incerements to help increase the travel of the cable when shifting. This will help it get into gear more positively.

 

[joetheis]

Rodger!
It sounds like a synchroniser going bad if it was a truck manual trans or if the clutch isn't depressed far enough.
I made the cable 3 turns of the barrel, LONGER thinkig I get it in gear earlier.
I'll try another 3 (which is @ 1/8" travel on the cable), amd see.
The way it is going with THIS boat, I'm betting the clutch in the outdrive!
Joe