Dances w/Dolphins
Recruit
- Joined
- Apr 5, 2012
- Messages
- 4
Just purchased last month a 1996 Sunbird 170 bowrider w/same year 90hp Johnson outboard. Overall - the boat is in very good condition and runs great. Lots of new goodies added by previous owner.
Last time out, had an episode with not being able to engage forward or reverse - and with trial and error at times - would on the other hand not come OUT of gear.
There are no identification markings anywhere on the control, although a long time mechanic (seeing pictures I had of it in my phone) says it looks like a Merc Quicksilver.
As purchased - there was a piece of duct tape covering the 'neutral switch' at the base of the lever, and some research and investigating prompted me to remove the tape.
It appears the original 'button' either broke off, or somehow came off and was replaced by a makeshift screw with a flat washer - backed up by two nuts locking together - and the 1 inch or so of thread was just placed into the center hole of the spline shaft (which holds the lever in place) and was being held 'in' with the tape. It was actually working as normal the first few times we had the boat out.
This actually took the place of the required action the original button was designed for, but now - with some close checking - it seems like the screw does NOT pop all the way out after being depressed (pushed in). Keep in mind, the screw is not engaged in any way - it can slide in and out (purpose of duct tape).
Which now brings me to my question(s)!!
Could I find just the button assembly and more importantly - free up the action of the in/out movement of that mechanism - or - does it sound like (and I already checked) I might have to invest around $300 for a whole new control.
Any and all input would be greatly appreciated - want to get back out on the water. THANKS GUYS!!!
Last time out, had an episode with not being able to engage forward or reverse - and with trial and error at times - would on the other hand not come OUT of gear.
There are no identification markings anywhere on the control, although a long time mechanic (seeing pictures I had of it in my phone) says it looks like a Merc Quicksilver.
As purchased - there was a piece of duct tape covering the 'neutral switch' at the base of the lever, and some research and investigating prompted me to remove the tape.
It appears the original 'button' either broke off, or somehow came off and was replaced by a makeshift screw with a flat washer - backed up by two nuts locking together - and the 1 inch or so of thread was just placed into the center hole of the spline shaft (which holds the lever in place) and was being held 'in' with the tape. It was actually working as normal the first few times we had the boat out.
This actually took the place of the required action the original button was designed for, but now - with some close checking - it seems like the screw does NOT pop all the way out after being depressed (pushed in). Keep in mind, the screw is not engaged in any way - it can slide in and out (purpose of duct tape).
Which now brings me to my question(s)!!
Could I find just the button assembly and more importantly - free up the action of the in/out movement of that mechanism - or - does it sound like (and I already checked) I might have to invest around $300 for a whole new control.
Any and all input would be greatly appreciated - want to get back out on the water. THANKS GUYS!!!
