Mariner Outboard - Gear Shifting

[Rusty10]

Hi

Hoping for some help/advice?

Have an old Mariner 2 stroke engine and its always seemed a little stiff to engage fwd/N/rev.

Yesterday I was unable to engage neutral & rev via the side control and only if I manually shifted the level on the o/b (but still pretty stiff!) - I disconnected the cables and they seem to move quite freely?

Would anyone be able to offer any tips as to what may be the issue and if possible how to fix please?

Cheers

 

[VicS]

Hi

Hoping for some help/advice?

Have an old Mariner 2 stroke engine and its always seemed a little stiff to engage fwd/N/rev.

Yesterday I was unable to engage neutral & rev via the side control and only if I manually shifted the level on the o/b (but still pretty stiff!) - I disconnected the cables and they seem to move quite freely?

Would anyone be able to offer any tips as to what may be the issue and if possible how to fix please?

Cheers

The shift lever on the side of the engine becomes stiff due to lack of lubrication and corrosion where it enters the housing. Eventually it will seize or you will break it off unless you sort it out ,

You don't give any model details ( HP, year, serial number ) so cannot look up any info. Some have plate that you can remove to access the linkage and facilitate its removal.


Exploded diagrams at https://www.boats.net/catalog/mercury

Maybe a manual at http://www.boatinfo.no/lib/library.html

 

[Rusty10]

Thank you very much for the reply, much appreciated.

Its an old 676 40hp model I think this is the best diagram I can find?

https://www.marineengine.com/parts/mariner-outboard-parts/40b-cdi-ignitionthru-prop-exhaust/676b102786-and-up---e/gear-shift-linkage

 

[Homer J]

The shift lever on the side of the engine becomes stiff due to lack of lubrication and corrosion where it enters the housing. Eventually it will seize or you will break it off unless you sort it out ,

You don't give any model details ( HP, year, serial number ) so cannot look up any info. Some have plate that you can remove to access the linkage and facilitate its removal.


Exploded diagrams at https://www.boats.net/catalog/mercury

Maybe a manual at http://www.boatinfo.no/lib/library.html

+1 - a build up of salt can quickly cause this problem. Try hot fresh water and/ or WD40.

 

[Rusty10]

Hi and many thanks for the replies.

Thought I had fixed (re greased all linkage) seem like the issue is when I engage full throttle then reduce and try and select neutral or reverse the controls seem 'stuck' in gear?

Not sure if relevant when I open the throttle it seems to bog a 3/4 revs then opens up again at WOT?

 

[VicS]

Hi and many thanks for the replies.

Thought I had fixed (re greased all linkage) seem like the issue is when I engage full throttle then reduce and try and select neutral or reverse the controls seem 'stuck' in gear?

Not sure if relevant when I open the throttle it seems to bog a 3/4 revs then opens up again at WOT?

I suggest you post your problem on the Mercury/ Mariner board of the Marine Engine forums. http://www.marineengine.com/boat-forum/forumdisplay.php?30-Mercury-Mariner-Outboard-Forum

With luck it will attract the attention of one of the professional outboard mechanics..

Be sure to post the full motor particulars including the serial number