Mercruiser Shift Cable problem

[bigdog]

I have a 1995 4.3L Mercruiser, with a shift cable problem.
I noticed the problem started to occur, at the end of the boating season last Fall.

When I place the shift lever control in the neutral position, it wasn't necessarily "in neutral", as the boat continued to move forward.
This make me believe, that I need to adjust the "shift lever cable" ?
With a little "jiggling" of the shift lever, it seemed to go into "neutral".

Can someone describe how to perform adjustment of this cable ?
It would seem simple enough for DIY to perform without bringing to the dealer. Trying to save $$$ for other needed repairs.

Any help would be appreciated !

[Dave R]

You really need a manual for this work. The problem may be the cable, may be a problem with the drive, may be a misadjustment, or may be a problem with the shift interrupter switch. The interrupt switch actually interrupts the ignition for an instant when you shift. This relieves pressure on the gears and dogs and allows the drive to go in and out of gear.

Here's the factory service manual for the Gen 11 Alpha drive: http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/14/14cover.pdf

Here's the Gen 1 manual:
http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf

Here's the 4.3 liter engine manual
http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/18/18covr2.pdf

The tables of contents are hyperlinked to the chapter files online. Save them all if you want to have the whole manual.

Here's a link with a whole bunch o' Merc manuals and guides
http://www.boatfix.com/merc/mainmenu.pdf

[Chris Craft]

Like Dave said this is probably not a simple adjustment issue. It sounds to me like the interupt switch only because you said that if you wiggle it goes into nuetral. Of course I do not know if you are really talking wiggle or giggle :D :D

[eye spy]

Boat is 10 years old. Cable is about gone replace cable and shift boot.
Cable gets longer with more age and boot rots out also.
You may be able to adjust it but I don't think it will last. With spring coming up I would get it fix before summer

[MJM]

We had this issue also - and for us, it was indeed the iterruptor switch.

As always, very helpful posts from this forum!

[Steve Di.]

I have had a similar similar experience and found problems with shift interupters to be indicated by stalling when shifting and/or lots of force required to shift in and out of gear.

Cable problems have been evident by shifting into neutral and the boat remaining in gear; this is a dangerous situation that needs immediate attention. In my case, the problem was traced to the lower shift cable, not the main cable.

Good luck!