Shifts into reverse but won't shift into forward

peters715

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 19, 2022
Messages
49
69 Starcraft w/2.5.

Out of the water the prop locks into gear in both forward and reverse.

In the water it shifts into reverse perfectly.

Shifting into forward nothing happens other than the engine reving. With it in the water, motor running shift cable disconnected, I pushed the lever until I felt the gears just starting to touch.

From this I see that the cable does not have anywhere near enough extension travel to push the lever into forward gear.

The barrel is adjusted as far out as it can go and is still way short of how far it needs to go to engage.

If I had to guess, it seems like to the forward gear has slipped backwards on the prop shaft (if this is even possible) as the dog travel is further for forward than reverse.

Anyway, I am open to suggestions, ideas or theories.
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 28, 2013
Messages
39,383
Remove gearcase.----put gearcase in neutral.----put control in neutral.---adjust the barrel.-----install gearcase.
 

peters715

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 19, 2022
Messages
49
Remove gearcase.----put gearcase in neutral.----put control in neutral.---adjust the barrel.-----install gearcase.
Just checked and the shift rod is engaged with the lever. And with the shift in full forward when I spin the prop by hand it barely ticks.

I did change out the old MercControl for a Commander unit. I adjusted the shifting with the Commander and it was fine in the driveway. But now there isn't anywhere near enough throw on the cable to get it into forward gear.
 

alldodge

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
43,758
The barrel is adjusted as far out as it can go and is still way short of how far it needs to go to engage
I did change out the old MercControl for a Commander unit. I adjusted the shifting with the Commander and it was fine in the driveway. But now there isn't anywhere near enough throw on the cable to get it into forward gear.

Need to start from scratch with the cables, there not adjusted correctly
 

kenny nunez

Captain
Joined
Jun 20, 2017
Messages
3,488
2 Xs with AD. There must be 3“ of shift cable travel from the control box from full forward to full reverse.
Another place to check is the pocket in the upper housing where the shift slider travels for forward. Quite often there is a build up of old grease and marine corrosion which restricts the slider from going far enough for forward gear.
 
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