2018 Bayliner VR5 Merc Alpha 5.5 200 hp shift questions.

[marktw]

When shifting from neutral to forward it sometimes will not engage but other times runs fine. The engine does not rev during this process but there is a clicking or sort of grinding sound and it will either lurch into drive or not go at all. Then back to neutral and it will engage normally. This only occurs in forward but not reverse. It does sometimes remain in low reverse when you go back to neutral until I shift back to the neutral again.

 

[kghost]

Either the shift control cable or short shift cable is worn meaning the distance moved is no longer enough to engage 100% of the time.

If you look where both shift cables are mounted on a bracket at the engine, you will see a adjustable stud where the short cable mounts. The hex of the stud is 7/16 so you loosen and move up about 1/8-1/4 inch. This will provide fwd engagment quicker.
The short cable is the one that goes to back of boat to transom. The primary control cable goes to the shift control that you shift