Adjusting the Shift Cable

H2ONUT

H2ONUT

Well-Known Member
Nov 26, 2006
2,658
Savanna GA
Boat Info
2000 215EC
Engines
5.0 EFI Mercruiser Alpha
I have followed the very vague directions in my shop manual on how to adjust the shift cable. It shifts into forward fine, but in reverse, it isn't catching with every shift.

One other thing, the shift kill switch dosen't move. It moves by hand, but dosen't move while using the shifter.
 
The Merc manual is pretty detailed. Do you have the Merc manual or an after market one?

This is Merc's procedure

The kill switch should only move when coming out of gear. Should stay put while going in. Did you check that with the engine running? The torque load on the dog clutches is needed to make it work right.

BTW
The Merc process is BS. I followed it exactly a few times and never got it exactly right. Always had to fiddle with the barrel nuts a few times before it worked right.


Best regards,
Frank C
 
Thanks Frank, those are better pics and details. However... where the helm shift cable connects, I have another spring loaded arm that bolt up to the same studs as the helm cable. I guess I have to re-check with these pics and directions and test it out.

The name of the manual I have slips my mind right now, it is out in the garage.
 
fc3 said:
BTW The Merc process is BS. I followed it exactly a few times and never got it exactly right. Always had to fiddle with the barrel nuts a few times before it worked right.
Best regards, Frank C
Click to expand...

I agree with Frank. I have posted a link which might work. I can NOT say that I done it this way, but every time I have had to adjust Alpha cables, I have had to move the barrel to get reverse to work just right, with either going into gear, or to have it stop spinning the prop when in neutral (out of the water). The last two cables that gave me problems ended up to be bad cables. They corroded around the shift mechanism from leaking seawater at the drive split to the housing. I had to replace the cables and the shift mechanism with the upgraded bushings to keep water away... I hope it is just an adjustment for you!

http://www.mercstuff.com/howdoi.htm

Mark
 
....mines going into the shop tomorrow to have them lower my idle after being gear and throttled up. It starts fine and stays right at 650-700 rpms, but once I throttle up and want to come back to idle speed, it remains around 1000 rpm. Since they replaced the throttle cable and other things over the winter, I'm letting them fix it and show me what they found. Also I have a small/slow coolant leak I want them to find after they installed the FWC.

Let me know what you find and I'll do the same so we both know what the proper adjustments may/need to be.
 
Is it normal to have some play when changing throttle position up or down? It is a bit annoying trying to sync the RPMs. If I have to throttle one back, I have to move the lever several degrees before it changes the RPM. If I have to throttle one up, there is the same delay before it engages the cable. I wish I had DTS!
 
Mark, thanks for the link. Between that and what Frank posted, I'll see how it goes later today. I had the cable completley out and it is fine, no corrosion, it also shifts fine by hand holding the end of the cable by the shift plate.

Todd, I had the same issue. I set the idle with the cable off the carb, I would guess you have fuel injection? After idle was set I would just adjust the cable to it mounting point and re-attach.
 
It sounds to me in several posts here like the slack isn't being taken up prior to adjusting the cables. If slack is present, you will find a inconsistent idle speeds and a delay during throttle input.

Doug
 
Splashed today! :smt038

Shifts perfect! Thanks for the additional info and pics... :thumbsup:
 
H2ONUT said:
I have followed the very vague directions in my shop manual on how to adjust the shift cable. It shifts into forward fine, but in reverse, it isn't catching with every shift.

One other thing, the shift kill switch dosen't move. It moves by hand, but dosen't move while using the shifter.
Click to expand...



I have the exact same problem with my 2000 290 AJ I just bought. What was the final solution to this? I tried to adjust the lower cable to no avail.....

Thanks!!!
 
I need to adjust the "Slack" out of the port throttle. It is much looser than the starboard side. It seems to be in the helm controls. What and where is the adjustment made?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,324
Messages
1,430,545
Members
61,181
Latest member
79SRV240
Back
Top