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  1. #1
    Member Bullet3119's Avatar
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    225 optimax hard to shift

    What will make a 225 optimax difficult to shift in and out of gear, more so going into neutral from forward and reverse. It isn't as bad going from neutral into forward or reverse.

  2. Mercury 3L/4 Stroke/Verado Moderator EuropeanAM's Avatar
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    #2

    Re: 225 optimax hard to shift (Bullet3119)

    -Incorrect gear lube
    -Lack of engine warmup (cold)
    -BENT or DAMAGED SHIFT LINKAGES (usually from attempts to shift with engine OFF)
    -Faulty Shift Switch (On the ENGINE... not the one in the control)
    -Excessive Preload on throttle cable
    -Incorrect IDLE RPM (too high)
    -Worn or damaged throttle cable and/or control
    -Gearcase problem (bellcrank, shift spool, clutch dog, crosspin, propshaft splines, gears, or bearing problems)



    Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
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  3. Member Bullet3119's Avatar
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    #3

    Re: 225 optimax hard to shift (EuropeanAM)

    I'm thinking the problem is with the cable, linkages, or shifter safety switch. The gear oil is correct, it does it after its warmed up, idle rpm is good.

  4. Member
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    #4
    I'm having a problem with my 135optimax shifting in very cold weather below 20 degrees. Can't shift from neutral to forward or reverse. Would water in cables cause this?

  5. Member
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    #5
    Yes, it is another possibility.



  6. Member
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    #6
    Was on the fox River last night and it was 16 degrees engine wouldn't pee and couldn't get shifter in to neutral and was froze up had to use trolling motor to get back.. Looking for a fix to this cable issue

  7. Member
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    #7
    First you will have to confirm that the cable IS the problem.



  8. Member Bob G.'s Avatar
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    #8
    I'd wait until the temps warmed up and test at home on the muffs. I'd be concerned that the tell tale stream was not there.
    2006 Triton TR-21 XD, Mercury 225 Pro XS, S/N 1B287870

  9. Major Flagelator Gamblinman's Avatar
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    #9
    Just replace both the shifter and throttle cable. They get stiff and worn with time. Replaced mine last spring....what a difference.
    "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt."

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