So it's not the shift cable....need input

[vigil2448]

So I replaced the shift cable and replaced the gimbal bearing since I had access to it on my 89 mercruiser 4.3L, And when I was attempting to adjust the shift cable, no matter how many times I attempt to different methods, each time I shift into reverse the roller falls out of the center of the shift cutout switch roller. I'm curious to know if it's probably the remote control cable....OR....last summer when I replaced the water impeller maybe the shift shaft is not all the way alligned correctly.

Looking at the shift shaft today when the shift lever is forward in WOT, the shift shaft is not straight forward towards the bow of the boat (12 o'clock position)....it's very close maybe at the 11 o'clock position. Would the shift shaft have that much of a consequence to throw off the shift interupter that much???

Please help...i'm going restless and turning into an alcoholist with this problem

Thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: So it's not the shift cable....need input

Looking at the shift shaft today when the shift lever is forward in WOT, the shift shaft is not straight forward towards the bow of the boat (12 o'clock position)....it's very close maybe at the 11 o'clock position. Would the shift shaft have that much of a consequence to throw off the shift interupter that much???

Yes...

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: So it's not the shift cable....need input

Last year when you did the impeller, did you have to "adjust" the shift cable after you reassembled it?

That would be your first hint something wasn't reassembled right. Separating the halves and reinstalling shouldn't throw off the cable adjustment. Not sayin the cable wasn't bad or going bad.

Are you getting reverse? Sounds like she's gonna have to be separated and ensure the upper shift shaft is straight at 12.

 

[vigil2448]

Re: So it's not the shift cable....need input

okay so I seperated the outdrive ensured that the shift shaft is at the 12 o'clock and still no luck. Goin forward the roller stays in the cavity, but once shifted into reverse the roller, rolls to the top.

The shift cable slides freely when disconnected from the shift assembly on the motor. The shift shaft appears to be straight and turns freely. I'm stuck..have no freakin clue. Gonna check the remote control cable in the morning see if thats giving me problems.

But question is if the remote cable is suppose to move just as freely as the shift cable.

Any other input from the boating community on possible other problems it could be, would be appreciated so I can tackle it tomorrow.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: So it's not the shift cable....need input

Does it actually go into reverse or does the control handle get hard to move as you try to put it into reverse? If it actually goes into reverse, it sounds like your shift cable (lower) is adjusted incorrectly. When you shift into F your shift fork pushes the the shift shaft lever (on the top of the upper shift shaft) in the clockwise direction, since you only went to 11 o-clock it indicates that the cable is too short (enough to go in but not all the way), likewise when you shift to R you pull the lever CCW and if the cable is adjusted too short it will "bottom out" and pull the cutout switch out of the valley. Take a look at this, starting about page 89: http://www.perfprotech.com/store/app_themes/ppt/images/tech-specs/alpha-shift-adjust.pdf Good luck.