TIP: shift control binding, hard to move

[Bt Doctur]

Just serviced a customers boat(late model 225Hp) who was complaining of hard shifting from the helm.Progesssivly harder toward the end of the season.Decided to install new cables. During assembly we found the shift mech. was binding. Removed lower unit and shift rod was still binding.
Is seems that Merc uses a plastic bushing to guide/locate the shift shaft. There is no lubrication point. I suggest spraying a penetrating oil on the shift rod area under the hood monthly.Should it lock up solid, powerhead removal is necessary .

 

[fastjeff]

Good tip. I tend to remove that neutral/ reverse lock mechanism since: one, I have an electric starter, and--two, I have a 70 hp Merc triple on a 9 foot boat with minimal freeboard. you don't back up hard with one of these!

Jeff

 

[typhoon]

Motorcycle chain oil is great for this sort of thing. It goes on thin like a penetrating oil, but sets up like a 90w gear oil. Really handy stuff, and good tip too.