Won't go in gear!

[Kovacic]

I can't get my '87 3.0 to engage in gear. Even when I try to do the proper shift cable adjustment with the shifter in full forward position I can't get the prop to catch while turning it counter clockwise. Last fall I could shift into Forward only, not back to Neutral or Reverse. Please Help!

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Won't go in gear!

Your lower shift cable is probably shot. How hard does it with engine off?

 

[Kovacic]

Re: Won't go in gear!

It really doesn't feel much different with engine off. The cable moves freely it seems.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Won't go in gear!

This is an alpha drive? I would pull the drive off & see that the cable end is moving freely.When was the last time the drive was off?

 

[Kovacic]

Re: Won't go in gear!

The serial # indicates Alpha Drive. I just bought the boat last year. No mechanical history was available. I doubt the drive has been off in the last 5 years.<br /><br />Do you think I should replace the cable and see what that brings. Appreciate your time.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Won't go in gear!

Pull the drive off.You need to do some greasin' anyway. Get yourself a manual so you know what routine maintenence needs to be done. As I said before get some one to shift & see what's happening at the back of the cable. This is where to start. The cable is probably bad though.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Won't go in gear!

BTW,.......... That's the Lower Shift Cable.........<br /><br />Not the 1 coming out of the Controller.....<br />

Even when I try to do the proper shift cable adjustment

Which Proper Method Is That ???

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: Won't go in gear!

gonna watch this one.........sounds kinda familiar....

 

[Kovacic]

Re: Won't go in gear!

The way I was told to do proper shift cable adjustment is to unhook the lower shift cable from the shift lever assembly. I then put the shift controller in full forward position and pushed the lower cable all the way in by hand while turning the prop counter clockwise until it stops. Mine never does stop or catch to finish the adjustment.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Won't go in gear!

Well,........<br /><br />Pull the Drive,+ See Why...............