shift assist (not shift interrupt)

[freddyray21]

My brother has a 1978 Searay originally with an 888 setup. Motor has been changed to a 260 hp. He just bought it. It will shift into forward fine, but not into reverse. On the shift linkage it has something the Seloc manual he has called a shift assist (not the shift interrupter). It appears to be a spring loaded tube hook to the shift linkage. It is keeping the cable from going in full reverse. If we unhook it the boat will shift forward neutral reverse just fine. My boat does not have one of these on it. My opinion is it's not necessary and we should just leave it unhooked. Any ideas?

 

[smithrock]

Re: shift assist (not shift interrupt)

Don S. was able to help me out with mine (thanks, Don)! I will tell you, the first thing you need is an OEM manual !

 

[freddyray21]

Re: shift assist (not shift interrupt)

I have the oem manual as well. It says nothing about adjustment of the shift assist or it's function. It only shows a pic of it.

 

[Don S]

Re: shift assist (not shift interrupt)

You need to get some Serial numbers off the engine and outdrive. The shift assist rod has been used for a while, but if you don't have the proper instructions on how to adjust the cables, you never will get it to work. and trust me, there has been a lot of changes in the shift system over the years.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: shift assist (not shift interrupt)

It is a 1978. It has been repowered with a much newer engine. My brother tells me the serial number off the outdrive is 340700 I think the outdrive is original.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: shift assist (not shift interrupt)

how much tension should be on the shift assist tube. It appears to be quite a bit.

 

[Don S]

Re: shift assist (not shift interrupt)

The year of the boat doesn't matter, need the engine Year or SN. That is what has the shift plate that may or may not use the shift assist piece.
There is quite a bit of tension on it, and it's not adjustable.
Your problem is adjustment of the cables, pure and simple, but I can't give you the How to on adjustment without knowing some info about which one you have.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: shift assist (not shift interrupt)

the engine was replaced in 2002. It was a crate engine so I am assuming that was the year of the engine also. I don't have the boat in front of me so I don't have the serial number. I will try and get it from my brother.