Stiff throttle but only in gear... I think its an "easy fix" what do you think

juiced347

New Member
Jun 13, 2013
10
Nortt shore LI
Boat Info
1997 Sea Ray 240 Sundancer
Engines
5.7 Merc. 357 Magnum
I just changed my throttle and and both, throttle and shift cable (they are now all brand new) and while in gear the throttle is still very stiff. In throttle only (not in gear) the stick is super smooth and easy and revs the boat up no problem. Does this sound like a lower shift cable issue? I just want to get a few opinions and make sure its not an adjustment issue before i pull my out drive off. Its Mercruiser alpha 1 out drive on a 97' 240 sea ray. Thanks, been banging my head over this for the last few hours!
 
How about disconnected the Lower shift cable at the shift plate on top of the motor then shifting as though you’re going into gear, any easier? I believe that eliminates the lower shift cable from the equation
 
I did that and it gets MUCH easier. In my mind i took that as meaning that the lower shift cable is the issue, correct? Just wanted to pick everyone's brain since my is fried from being in the engine bay for 10 hours today.
 
Sounds like it. You can also try “shifting” the drive by pushing the lower cable from the engine side while disconnected from the plate. That will give you an idea if it’s binding. Did you follow the path of the original when replacing it? That’s pretty critical. Also check the parts diagrams, a friend was missing the bushing and/or washer on the lower shift shaft and it caused all kinds of problems.
 
Sounds like it. You can also try “shifting” the drive by pushing the lower cable from the engine side while disconnected from the plate. That will give you an idea if it’s binding. Did you follow the path of the original when replacing it? That’s pretty critical. Also check the parts diagrams, a friend was missing the bushing and/or washer on the lower shift shaft and it caused all kinds of problems.
The two cables coming from the throttle control in the drivers area are routed the same. I have not changed the lower shift cable if that is the "original" you are referring to. when disconnected I can slide the lower shift cable in and out by hand but it takes a good amount of pressure to make it slide. Does that make sense for it to be the lower shift cable causing my issue?
 
its smooth every which way i try it except for when the lower shift cable is connected.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
112,944
Messages
1,422,715
Members
60,927
Latest member
Jaguar65
Back
Top