shift cable adjustment trouble!!!!

[54panman]

.... hi all i no this has been cover a 100 times but im just not finding the answers im looking for!!! & thought maybe you all could help me i just got back from the lake with my 98 searay 175... 3,0 i/o mercruiser the problem im having is that i can start my boat fine & go in reverse fine but not forward!!! i put it in forwrd gear and have to almost "pump the throttle" (keep in mind motor is on and im trying to go) till it decides to jump in too gear!!! theres no pattern or perticular way or reason it just does it when it wants!!!!!! from everything i've read its the cables! it should be 6" fully extended for the top cable with the brass barrel & 2 7/8- 3 1/8 total movement for the lower cable??? im attaching a pic of what im think should be correct and if so my cables are WAY off any suggestions?





http://www.flickr.com/photos/38381244@N07/3743335152/

 

[Lazy Daze]

I've always adjusted by feel.

With the engine off and in neutral, spin the prop by hand in both directions. Do you feel/hear any clicking? You shouldn't. If you do, move barrel adjuster until you don't.

If you want to double check, try adjusting the barrel adjuster until you feel a clicking. Then adjust the barrel the other way until you feel the same severity of clicking - making a note of the amount of turns. Now turn the adjuster back exactly half of those turns.

Other than that, time for a new cable.

 

[54panman]

i gotcha ya! but are my measurements correct and on the correct cables? cause if those are atleast a good starting measurement then im way off! from my brass barrel fully extended is like 7.5 inches! which is enough for my shift swicth to engage in rev. but two much slack to move when going in to drive! which is where my thoughts are... its not trippn the switch its not engaging in drive like it should.... correct me if im wrong? i dont have any clicking unless i putt it in get and spinn it the wrong way!