Mariner Shift Cable Adjustment ??? For Don or Sherm

[Les Young]

1998 Mariner 135 carb. Started on muffs at home & went through forward & reverse since boat had been sitting for 2 months. After I got to lake & had ran to a couple different spots already with no problemsI went to put it in forward & sometimes it acted like it wasn't meshing. I could pull it back a little so it wouldn't grind & it would come out & try to go in. When it went in to gear right it wouldn't do it anymore & it didn't do it all the time & only done it when putting it in forward. I can also feel a difference in the way it feels at the control handle when trying to put into gear as compared to before as when it goes perfectly the handle has to go furter forward than it did before.Thinking maybe I need to adjust. What's your opinion & what do I need to do to adjust if thats it ????Thank You Sir.


Modified by Les Young at 5:40 AM 1/7/2012

[EuropeanAM]

Based on your description, I'd recommend:

1. Sample gear lube FIRST. Look for water, milky fluid, or any signs of excessive metal.

2. If no problems noted above, DISCONNECT shift cable at engine, and attempt to shift MANUALLY to ensure proper engagement. This helps to separate the control devices from the engine (so you know which way to proceed).

3. If engine shifts properly, place control lever in NEUTRAL. At the engine end of the cable, pull IN and OUT on the cable to determine the "free travel" that's present (shouldn't be much over 3/8"). MARK the CENTER of this travel area, so you can determine exactly where neutral SHOULD be.

4. With the engine linkage dead-centered at neutral... adjust the cable barrel so that the cable slides in place/connects precisely where it's "centered free travel" mark is.

5. Test shifting... if good, run in water and confirm. IF NOT GOOD... don't run until it's been corrected (stretched cable, worn control, etc).

[Les Young]

Don, there is a bracket I guess you'd call it where shift cable hook up with a place showing where neutral is supposed to be. Atleast I suppose that's what it's for & the very head of cable where it hooks up is just shy of center where neutral mark is. Is this normally close ??? Also oil appears to be good. I haven't tried to adjust anything yet as I figured better safe than sorry. Note: After putting into forward with control handle it is trying to go into gear, but isn't quite there. It tries to catch, but spins while clicking or not fully engaging for lack of better words.Turning prop confirms this, however I haven't unhooked cable yet. Just trying to get familiar with it to better describe symptons. I can barely & very lightly as well push linkage forward & she locks in perfect & works great when turning prop with my foot. What do you think ??? Thank you Sir.


Modified by Les Young at 11:14 AM 1/7/2012

[EuropeanAM]

Normally, the STUD (has a rotating cable keeper, washer and nut attached that are visible) is CENTERED in the neutral mark (with the cable centered in it's free travel area).

When properly adjusted, you should note:

-NEUTRAL: Prop spins freely in BOTH directions\
-FORWARD: Prop "locks" when turned COUNTERCLOCKWISE
-REVERSE: Prop "locks" when turned CLOCKWISE

If you're still having difficulties with the adjustment, I'd recommend an OEM Service Manual... or perhaps enlisting the "hands-on" expertise of a well-qualified Technician.

[Les Young]

Thanks Don, just trying to be a little clearer in my explanation. I don't think I'll have any trouble adjusting it, but you never know. Again thanks for helping out yet another BBCer.

[Les Young]

Don I done some adjustment & appears good. Now to water test. It will be a while though, but will let you know. Thank you Sir.

[EuropeanAM]

You're welcome.