Mercury 8hp tiller handle issue

[95powersmoker]

Hi guys,

I'm having an issue with my 8hp Mercury 4 stroke outboard. The throttle/gear shifter seems like something is broke inside. I went to turn it from neutral to forward and something cracked? After that, the gear shifter just spun. I could turn it all the way forward but still be in neutral because it wasn't engaging. I was able to shift into reverse, then back into neutral and then I was able to get it into forward. It isn't right though. Anybody had these issues? Does it sound like a shifter cable issue?

Thanks in advance.

[lokidog]

I would start by finding the shift wire that goes from the head to the gear case and see how everything is connected.  I have no experience with that motor, but it is just a set of linkages.  Figure out which way things should move when you shift, and see what is not working.  Is your shifter on the tiller handle?  If not, there are probably no cables to break.

[95powersmoker]

Thanks Lokidog. I have very little experience with outboard motors but am learning. I have to wait until next weekend to tear into it. This is the 2005 model with the R-N-F twist handle that is both the gear shifter and throttle.

[lokidog]

Thanks Lokidog. I have very little experience with outboard motors but am learning. I have to wait until next weekend to tear into it. This is the 2005 model with the R-N-F twist handle that is both the gear shifter and throttle.

OK, I have absolutely no experience with those.  At least with a mechanical issue, anyone with some ability can usually figure out what is wrong.  I don't like this style, not sure what is so hard about reaching back to shift, the motor should be in low rpms anyways.  The old style non-cable shifting is more reliable IMO, probably why they changed it. 

[95powersmoker]

I went back to the boat this afternoon and tore the handle apart to find the throttle shaft plastic end is all tore up so it isn't catching the pulley. It makes me wonder though if the cables are too tight giving too much resistance and tearing up that plastic piece. I will have to replace the shaft and then see if the cables need adjustment.

[lokidog]

If you can grab the cables with two pliers (if it is a looped type cable), I would grab each side and pull back and forth to see how easily it moves.  If it is stiff, I would first squirt some lube down the tubes before replacing parts that were damaged.  The Mercurys I have dealt with have skimped a bit on stainless steel where it should have it hence causing excess corrosion.

[lokidog]

A bunch of stuff pops up with this Google search: mercury 8 hp shift cable sticking