Shift Cable

[383cross]

I've had some issues with going into reverse, it would grind and never really back up so I decided it was either out of adjustment, cable was stretched or problems with the reverse gearing so I adjusted the cable the other day and seemed to be able to get reverse good but for some reason I believe that it's not going into drive completely, kind of like it was slipping or something. My question is how do you tell if the cable is stretched? I have no problem replacing it but dont want to have to tear into the control if I dont have to? That brings up another question, how do you tell if the control is ok? Its a 650 Merc (76') and it runs so good i just want to sort out the reverse thing so I can get up to and away from the dock. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Shift Cable

Normally the cables do not stretch, and there is plenty of movement in a standard MerControl to fully engage the gears.

To adjust the shift cable, set the engine to neutral with the merControl. Remove the barrel clamp and the throttle cable. Now remove the shift cable from the shift rod and barrel clamp. Move the shift lever on the motor, back and forth to assure it is "clicked" into neutral. There should not be any play in the shift lever on the motor. Now adjust the barrel nut until the cable will install, without moving the shift lever. Reinstall both cables, and you are done.

The trick is to get the motor into neutral, put the MerControl into neutral, and then adjust the shift cable to fit.