Bravo 3 Shift Cable

[widowmaker]

I have had a problem getting the outdrive into forward or reverse. Finally it just locked up in neutral. I disconnected the cable from the outdrive at the plate on top of the engine and the gear shift at the helm worked smoothly, so it's OK from the helm to the plate. I tried to find a kink or tear in the outdrive cable and also tried lubing and adjusting it a bit with no luck. I had the outdrive pulled and inspected in early spring and it seemed to work OK when I got it back, but then it got progressively stiffer at the shifter through the season. I had the drive serviced specifically because of the stiff shifting to hopefully avoid this problem.

The shaft out of the engine is turning when in neutral. The mechanic says the drive must be pulled and may need a new cable or clip connection at the drive. Anybody have this experience and what were the damages $$? Should I try to hold the mechanic to his previous work when I square up with him $. When I dropped it off I told him of the problem and wanted it fixed and told him I will pay.

Thanks!

 

[garryowen]

yes you have to pull the drive to work on it.

if you have a pair of muffs for cooling water and are able to run it you can remove your props(for safety) and you should be able to start motor and with your helm cable still unhooked try shifting the motor-drive cable by hand if you want to further confirm its not working

 

[Lazy Daze]

Widow, remember to NEVER shift a Bravo drive when the engine is not running. Damage can result - it will booger up that "clip" you mentioned and then the drive won't be able to be shifted. It's not a bad job to do. Certainly sounds like that's your problem.

 

[Clam Bake]

Lazy Daze,

I usually pump the throttle a few times in forward before starting my engine. This is an old habit of mine... sort of like what I did on old cars before fuel injection. Now - I am not sure if it makes sense to do with the bravo3. Are you saying this will damage the shift cable?

Thanks, Pete.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Pete, advancing the throttle (only) is fine. It's the shifting (F-N-R) that will get 'ya. Shifting with an Alpha drive is fine.

 

[widowmaker]

Thanks for the replies. I certainly hope that's all there is. Yes my mechanic said never put it in gear with the engine off. I also read somewhere that the newer ones didn't have that problem but I certainly don't want to try it.

 

[Lazy Daze]

I also read somewhere that the newer ones didn't have that problem but I certainly don't want to try it.

That's correct. But, I don't remember with what model year the change was made. I *think* it was a few years later than yours, but not sure off hand. But, I still don't even shift the newest ones - old dog, new trick...

 

[bluebelly]

I had a 1995 290 sundancer with a Bravo 3 that needed its shift cable replaced when it was about 4 or 5 years old. I had the same problem as what you describe. The cable that I am refering to is the one that goes from the top of the engine to the outdrive, not the cable from the helm to the engine. The cable does not wear out but rather stretches over time. If I remember correctly it was about a $400 repair.

Hope this helps

 

[widowmaker]

Bluebelly -Thanks for the cost info. I'll update when I get her back. I hope it's not too much.

I had the outdrive serviced in early spring with the intent of avoiding this situation, and specifically mentioned the stiff shifting. While it did seem to shift better after I got her back it seems weird that it would go bad again in such a short time.

I'm still not sure if, or how, I should address the mechanic with this issue. Isn't that something he should look for in an outdrive service? Do you guy's think he should offer a discount or free repair for this? I'm thinking I'll wait and see if he offers something when I pick it up and then mention it if he doesn't.

So here I am with some of the nicest weather this year and she's in the shop.
Guess it's a home maintenance weekend...

 

[Lazy Daze]

Tough call. You did use it for 3 or 4 months. It's possible the final damage was done during that time (the cable could've checked out OK, but just have been on it's last legs).

Although, maybe he could've suggested that you replace the lower shaft "just in case". However, maybe he didn't suggest that because he's found customer's tend to think he just trying to make a quick buck. Who knows. But, I think you are justified in at least bringing it up. But, bring it up gently - you don't want to come across as saying "you messed up - you should've known this was going to be a problem".

 

[widowmaker]

I talked to the mechanic yesterday and he said he pulled the outdrive and could not get the shift cable to move in or out to engage the drive. It is not the cable or clip thingy. He said he will have to look into the drive further to diagnose. This doesn't sound good.

 

[widowmaker]

Got the boat back today. It was the "keeper" fitting in the outdrive where the shift cable connects. The cable was still good. The mechanic suggested I did the "dry shift" which would cause this to disconnect, however I told him I didn't. Anyway he said he got it re-set it in the fitting and lubed the outdrive up good and got the shifter adjusted tight. He had me try it out with the muffs before I took it. The bill was only $180.00 so I didn't bring up the previous service. Anyway she shifts and runs great and it is good to be back on the water.

To whats left of summer!

Cheers!

 

[Lazy Daze]

Thanks for posting the outcome. Glad you're back in the water and it was a relatively simple fix. :smt001