Hard shifting, throttle overshoot

[frank2644]

The single lever shift on my Bravo II has always been a little difficult to shift. It's especially annoying when maneuvering in tight spaces because it tends to over shift and apply too much throttle, often requiring a quick reverse shift which also tends to overshoot the throttle. I have done all the usual maintenance activities including lubricating the detent shift ball in the outdrive. At this point I don't think there is anything wrong, it's just that the BII takes a little more force to shift than desirable. And that force necessarily has some overshoot causing more throttle than desired when shifting.

So my proposed solution is to create a slip joint on the throttle cable connection to the carb that would prevent the throttle from opening with small movements of the lever....IOW, create a small dead zone where the cable moves but the slip joint slack prevents the carb butterfly from opening with small movements from idle. That should solve my overshoot issue but, of course, I have to make sure that the carb butterfly still opens fully upon maximum throttle.

My question is, does anybody have any clever ideas on how to modify the shift linkage to create that dead zone. Or is there some other solution to my overshoot problem? Perhaps I could replace the entire shifter mechanism with one that has the proper dead zone. Or maybe convert to a two lever control, one for lever for shifting and a separate lever for throttle. Of course replacing the shifter mechanism is kind of expensive so I'm hoping there is a simple linkage modification to solve my problem

Any comments/thoughts and of course solutions are welcome.

Thanks,
Frank

P.S. The current control is not the original but it is a Quicksilver unit.

 

[mstang64bb]

repeat

 

[nickdcj7]

My alpha was like that, except most of the time the shift interrupt switch would cause it to stall. It needed a new lower shift cable. When I tool the cable out, you could see where it wore through and was corroding inside, causing the binding. If you need that much force to shift it, then there's probably something that needs to be fixed rather than a band-aid to hide the problem.

 

[frank2644]

My alpha was like that, except most of the time the shift interrupt switch would cause it to stall. It needed a new lower shift cable. When I tool the cable out, you could see where it wore through and was corroding inside, causing the binding. If you need that much force to shift it, then there's probably something that needs to be fixed rather than a band-aid to hide the problem.

I removed the lower shift cable and re-lubricated it a year or so ago and I still have the problem.

Maybe I should have asked other Bravo 2 owners with a single handle control if they have any overshoot problems with their setup. If other B2 owners don't have that problem then maybe I do have some defect that I haven't yet found.

Perhaps other B2 owners will see this note and tell me if they find it easy to shift without inadvertently adding throttle.

After posting this note I thought that maybe it's not that my throttle linkage doesn't have a big enough dead zone, but perhaps my shift linkage has too small a dead zone. I think there are some adjustments possible on the shift linkage and I'm looking at that now.

Thanks

 

[Captainwally]

We are working on an electronic shift/ throttle replacement system for older cable systems...stepper motors and solenoids

 

[scoflaw]

My last boat a 2000 240 weekender had a B2 that shifted perfectly normal. stock control

 

[Lazy Daze]

Shift cables need replaced - either upper, lower or both. Lubricating is almost useless. They're probably old - time to go. They should shift nicely.

 

[frank2644]

Thanks, everyone for the comments/suggestions.

The shift control and all it's cables were replaced by the prior owner with a new Quicksilver unit although I don't know how long ago it was done. I have always had the hard shifting problem since I bought the boat about 5 years ago. Maybe it wasn't installed properly. Their are some Mercruiser linkage adjustment jigs that I see online that I'll have to obtain.

For now I'm living with the problem. When I get a chance, I'll have to check things out bearing in mind the suggestions from everyone.

Thanks again.

 

[scoflaw]

Jig isn't needed. Disconnect the lower shift cable at the engine bracket. How does it feel then? This will help you determine which of the 2 cables is binding.

Like mentioned the lower shift cable is a maintenance item. When going back together put the shifter and lower unit in neutral position and tighten cable set screw

 

[frank2644]

Jig isn't needed. Disconnect the lower shift cable at the engine bracket. How does it feel then? This will help you determine which of the 2 cables is binding.

Like mentioned the lower shift cable is a maintenance item. When going back together put the shifter and lower unit in neutral position and tighten cable set screw

Thanks, I'll give that a try.

 

[Bt Doctur]

you wouldn't be the first one with way overlength cables

 

[Bob & Sue]

If you have a Quicksilver 3000 throttle there is an adjustment inside of it that may be to tight, mine was to loose shifted way to easy. I have a copy of the manual with instructions if you want a copy PM me with email address & I'll send a pdf. Just leaving for the boat should be able to send it later tonight.

 

[Bt Doctur]

This is a view/print only link
http://boatinfo.no/lib/mercruiser/manuals/remote.html#/0

 

[frank2644]

This is a view/print only link
http://boatinfo.no/lib/mercruiser/manuals/remote.html#/0

Thank you.

 

[frank2644]

Bt Doctor,

I think I am aware of that adjustment. I'm not sure what model shifter I have, but I think I have the Quicksilver manual stored on the boat somewhere. Thank you for the offer, much appreciated. If I can't find my manual, I may get back to you.

BTW, nice to know that it's possible that the B2 can shift "way to easy".

 

[JimFromMD]

Perhaps other B2 owners will see this note and tell me if they find it easy to shift without inadvertently adding throttle.

I have 2 Bravo II drives, and do not have that problem. Sounds like maybe one of the cables is binding, but I'm no expert. We did have a similar problem with my dad's dual shifters with alpha drives and replacing the cables took care of the problem. (Not sure if upper/lower as I'm not all that technical, I just know that the cables were replaced.)

 

[frank2644]

I have 2 Bravo II drives, and do not have that problem. Sounds like maybe one of the cables is binding, but I'm no expert. We did have a similar problem with my dad's dual shifters with alpha drives and replacing the cables took care of the problem. (Not sure if upper/lower as I'm not all that technical, I just know that the cables were replaced.)

Thanks.....I'm still a little concerned that the older model B2's (mine is 1995) might be naturally a little harder to shift, but other replys also have implied otherwise.

 

[Bob & Sue]

Thanks.....I'm still a little concerned that the older model B2's (mine is 1995) might be naturally a little harder to shift, but other replys also have implied otherwise.

Mine shifts fine, with all the testing your doing make sure your running the engine DON'T shift a Bravo drive when the engine is off or you will be changing the shift cable when it breaks at a later time ( ask me how I know ).

 

[frank2644]

Mine shifts fine, with all the testing your doing make sure your running the engine DON'T shift a Bravo drive when the engine is off or you will be changing the shift cable when it breaks at a later time ( ask me how I know ).

Thanks...