Stalling when shifting into reverse out of water

[bdubs217]

I have an 4.3 mercruiser I/O. when shifting into reverse out of the water with muffs on it stalls. The shift interupter switch is the older roller type and when in reverse it is not centered. I have gone through the manual 3 times and everything is correct. I Replaced the drive unit shift cable with an oem new cable. It shifts into forward fine. I am out of ideas any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Stalling when shifting into reverse out of water

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... I'm guessin' ya mighta misdirected the new cable, 'n it's bindin'...

Ya don't have any sharp bends in it do ya,..??

 

[tazrig]

Re: Stalling when shifting into reverse out of water

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,.... I'm guessin' ya mighta misdirected the new cable, 'n it's bindin'...

Ya don't have any sharp bends in it do ya,..??

That would be my guess too. Those cables can be a little tricky to to run as they have to make little twists and turns along the way. I'd try disconnecting the lower shift cable from the engine and see if it feels like the inner wire is binding. If it is take the drive back off and see if you can free it by gently pushing and pulling on it. If not then take the head off of the cable at the engine end, pull it back through, check to see you didn't crush the cable at some point. If you did you'll need a new cable. If the cable is OK then try gently snaking it back through again, testing it for binding again before re-attaching it to the motor.

 

[cr2k]

Re: Stalling when shifting into reverse out of water

Don't grease or oil it, it will be hard to shift for sure.

 

[tazrig]

Re: Stalling when shifting into reverse out of water

^^^+1 the cable is either going to slide nice and easy like it's supposed to or its not. If you get to the point of having to take it all the way out to check and it's binding still, then you need another cable.

 

[danolindo]

Re: Stalling when shifting into reverse out of water

I'm not going to lie, im not the most experiened out of all these guys. but it could be possible the shift cable just isnt adjusted properly. Even though your set to manual specs, the new cable may be a hair off or installed just a bit off normal. even millimeters can make a difference. I used this link when I replaced mine and it was life changing. hopefully it helps.

Adjustment of Mercruiser I/O Shift Cable & Assist Switch, Dolphin Marine Service, Fortescue New Jersey, We Work on Johnson, Evinrude, Mercury, Mercruiser, Volvo, Force, Chrysler

good luck

 

[bdubs217]

Re: Stalling when shifting into reverse out of water

The pulled the drive unit and checked the cable and there doesnt appear to be any kinks or crushed anyplace. I tried rerouting the cable and still same issue. I believe that its just off a bit with the adjustment. Over the winter i rebuilt the motor, replaced alot of parts on the lower unit, and fixed a few electical issues and now the boat runs great minus the reverse issue and i think its about time for me to drop it off at the boat shop and see what they can do. I am getting fed up with the boat quick and dont want to break something and have to replace another part. Thanks for the ideas and the help.