stiff gear lever..

[ciaranp]

I Have a 2006 Mercury 100hp EFI outboard

The gear lever is a little stiff going into and out of gear but is ok once in gear.

Any idea what it may be or what i can do to free it up? Is there something i can check or put wd40 or something on.

[jambo]

Hi have you tried testing your linkage cable it maybe a little off and there is also a tension screw on the control box that adjusts the tension on the arm. Hope this helps.
J

[ciaranp]

Originally Posted by jambo

Hi have you tried testing your linkage cable it maybe a little off and there is also a tension screw on the control box that adjusts the tension on the arm. Hope this helps.
J

Hi thanks for reply.

where is the tension screw on these? will probably see it if i go lookin.

whats best way to test the linkage cable?

[biffer]

remove the cable from the outboard end, see if it's still stiff

[ciaranp]

Originally Posted by biffer

remove the cable from the outboard end, see if it's still stiff

Is thta easy to do? a matter of opening a few bolts? is it east to get at where it connects to outboard?

[jambo]

I think your problem is probably your cable and the 'problem' will be at the engine connection, it probably is not set/syncronised properly. Not familiar with Suzis but basic principles apply , with the end disconnected you have to find the middle of the range. I am sure Biffer will have a sure fired method.
Good luck

J

[Downhilldai]

Originally Posted by jambo

Not familiar with Suzis

It's a Merc 100 EFi

Agree with other comments - your gearchange cable sounds like the problem. It may have some tight bends or twists in it. Take the hood off and you'll see it's quite easy to disconnect. When you've done so, try selecting forward gear using the lever. If it's still stiff, then trace the cable back to try finding the tight spot. You may need to unwrap it if it's been harnessed with the rest of the gubbins running back to the motor.
If, on the other hand, it's not stiff when disconnected, then the slider under the hood, for the cable inner will need greasing (but it won't be this )

[jambo]

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

It's a Merc 100 EFi

Agree with other comments - your gearchange cable sounds like the problem. It may have some tight bends or twists in it. Take the hood off and you'll see it's quite easy to disconnect. When you've done so, try selecting forward gear using the lever. If it's still stiff, then trace the cable back to try finding the tight spot. You may need to unwrap it if it's been harnessed with the rest of the gubbins running back to the motor.
If, on the other hand, it's not stiff when disconnected, then the slider under the hood, for the cable inner will need greasing (but it won't be this )

Always the smart a.... that has to make in your mind big points!! Anybody else would have seen that I made an honest mistake by lookin at his particulars on the left hand margin. Hope you are happy and it has made your day.

[Downhilldai]

Originally Posted by jambo

Always the smart a.... that has to make in your mind big points!! Anybody else would have seen that I made an honest mistake by lookin at his particulars on the left hand margin. Hope you are happy and it has made your day.

His profile does need updating.

[Downhilldai]

Originally Posted by jambo

Hi have you tried testing your linkage cable it maybe a little off and there is also a tension screw on the control box that adjusts the tension on the arm. Hope this helps.
J

Originally Posted by jambo

I think your problem is probably your cable and the 'problem' will be at the engine connection, it probably is not set/syncronised properly. ..., with the end disconnected you have to find the middle of the range.

BTW, how would adjustment of the gearchange cable eliminate stiffness in the lever and how would adjusting the lever tensioner cure the problem when the stiffness is only there when the gearchange cable is moving, not the throttle cable?

Very 'smart' of you

[jambo]

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

BTW, how would adjustment of the gearchange cable eliminate stiffness in the lever and how would adjusting the lever tensioner cure the problem when the stiffness is only there when the gearchange cable is moving, not the throttle cable?

Very 'smart' of you

Because believe it or not it happened to me last year when I had to change my control box I could not syncronise both cables I eventually got the gear ok but i had to send for an engineer for the throttle and it is still a litle 'off' centre before the button depresses properly for throttle only. Even with the foregoing the arm itself was slack and with vibration the throttle use to move back and I lost revs. So I was speaking from experience and was only offering it as a maybe and if it help the guy then good. I never offer anything to score points or to look all knowing that I certainly am not and I am the first to acknowledge.
J

[Downhilldai]

Good to hear you managed to sort it out in the end - well done.

[ciaranp]

thanks for all the replys will have a look next time i'm at the boat

[jambo]

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

Good to hear you managed to sort it out in the end - well done.

ok keys!!
J