No forward or reverse

[TexasLXC275]

Shifter was a little stiff so I start investigating. I started with the cable that runs from the linkage on top of the engine to the lower unit. I believe it's called the lower cable. I disconnected it at the linkage. The shifter seemed to move much easier without this cable connected. I put it all back together as it was about time to take the boat out. Anyway, when I got it all back together the shifter would only rev up. It wouldn't shift from neutral to forward or reverse. I then took the lower cable off the linkage again. With the engine running and the shifter in neutral, I moved the cable back and forth in the cable housing. It still wouldn't shift!!!!! What do you think the problem is? 454 EFI Bravo One.

[Morgan's Cloud]

The only time I've ever experienced no forward or reverse on my Merc unit was when the coupler went. I cant say that's what you may have , but just to be sure , run the engine and look to make sure that the shaft to the outdrive that plugs into the engine coupler spins also.
There are certain people around here who without fail say 'You can always tell when you're coupler has failed because the smell of burning rubber is unmistakable and there's bits of rubber in the engine room and smoke everywhere' . Well , that's all well and nice if the ONLY way a coupler could fail is if the rubber bushing disintegrates , BUT the fact is they also fail when the splines go... most commonly due to an alignment issue.
When they fail this way , there is NO smoke, NO rubber bits and NO unmistakable smell.
Ask me how I know this :wink:

[RickR]

First, if you do not have a manual buy one, I like Clymer's.

If the remote control is working correctly, I would check the linkage under the rear cap on top of the Bravo.
You will have to remove some gear lube and leave the drive trimmed up.

While you have it apart clean and regrease the pin. spring and detent.

BTW. Bravo should only be shifted with engine driveshaft rotating (engine running or starter turning)

Bravo linkage:
http://www.dougrussell.com/partscatalog/components/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewparts&colid=04&coldesc=BRAVO%20ONE%20%28ALL%20RATIOS%29&index=5398&block=110&BlockNumberList=90,50,10,100,120,150,140,170,160,7 0,40,230,80,210,200,240,0,250,220,190,260,280,300, 290,270,30,20,60,180,110,130

[TexasLXC275]

First, if you do not have a manual buy one, I like Clymer's.
If the remote control is working correctly, I would check the linkage under the rear cap on top of the Bravo.
You will have to remove some gear lube and leave the drive trimmed up.
While you have it apart clean and regrease the pin. spring and detent.
BTW. Bravo should only be shifted with engine driveshaft rotating (engine running or starter turning)
Bravo linkage:
http://www.dougrussell.com/partscatalog/components/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewparts&colid=04&coldesc=BRAVO%20ONE%20%28ALL%20RATIOS%29&index=5398&block=110&BlockNumberList=90,50,10,100,120,150,140,170,160,7 0,40,230,80,210,200,240,0,250,220,190,260,280,300, 290,270,30,20,60,180,110,130

I was definitely shifting while the engine was off. Maybe this is how I screwed things up.

[mrfixxall]

Shifter was a little stiff so I start investigating. I started with the cable that runs from the linkage on top of the engine to the lower unit. I believe it's called the lower cable. I disconnected it at the linkage. The shifter seemed to move much easier without this cable connected. I put it all back together as it was about time to take the boat out. Anyway, when I got it all back together the shifter would only rev up. It wouldn't shift from neutral to forward or reverse. I then took the lower cable off the linkage again. With the engine running and the shifter in neutral, I moved the cable back and forth in the cable housing. It still wouldn't shift!!!!! What do you think the problem is? 454 EFI Bravo One.

Back in the late 90's early 2000 merc had a problen with the shifters and they were supplying us with a replacement model..

[RedDog]

At AOTH VII I developed problems shifting into forward and reverse. I tracked it down to part # 10 (nyloc nut) being loose. I tightened it up - too much - and the shifter was stiff and the shift lever wouldn't move. I loosen it some and it has shifted fine since.

see - http://www.dougrussell.com/partscatalog/components/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewparts&colid=04&coldesc=454%20EFI%20%20%28GEN%2E%20V%29%20%20%20%2 0%20%20%20%20%20%20%20GM%20454%20V%2D8%201994%2D19 96&index=1614&block=26&BlockNumberList=8,3,2,23,22,21,6,11,31,19,27,32,13 ,18,0,28,29,30,25,12,33,7,26,4,5,1,20,16,17,14,15, 24,10,9

[TexasLXC275]

At AOTH VII I developed problems shifting into forward and reverse. I tracked it down to part # 10 (nyloc nut) being loose. I tightened it up - too much - and the shifter was stiff and the shift lever wouldn't move. I loosen it some and it has shifted fine since.

see - http://www.dougrussell.com/partscatalog/components/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewparts&colid=04&coldesc=454%20EFI%20%20%28GEN%2E%20V%29%20%20%20%2 0%20%20%20%20%20%20%20GM%20454%20V%2D8%201994%2D19 96&index=1614&block=26&BlockNumberList=8,3,2,23,22,21,6,11,31,19,27,32,13 ,18,0,28,29,30,25,12,33,7,26,4,5,1,20,16,17,14,15, 24,10,9

I don't think this is the problem. Reason being that I unhooked the lower cable at the linkage point on top of the engine and manually pushed and pulled the cable. This did not put the lower unit in forward or reverse. Therefore, I'm think either I have a broken lower cable or the end of the cable where it attaches at the lower unit end has come loose? Does this sound reasonable? Also, if I wanted to gain access to where the cable connects at the lower unit end, do I simply take off that cover?

[RedDog]

... Therefore, I'm think either I have a broken lower cable or the end of the cable where it attaches at the lower unit end has come loose? Does this sound reasonable? Also, if I wanted to gain access to where the cable connects at the lower unit end, do I simply take off that cover?

Seems reasonable. The cable connects to part # 18 in the link Rick posted above. To get to it pull the drive off a little, leaving it supporting by the studs (Loosen the 6 nuts, disconnect trim rams and speedo tube), and see if the cable end is clipped in. I have never been inside the cover.

[Woodsy]

STOP....

There could be a couple of problems with the upper gears. Shifting the lever while the engine is off can wreck the upper gearset as soon as you start the engine. pop the top cap of your drive off and see if you have any metal flakes...

I have lunched a gearset in this manner...

the ball at the end of the lower shift cable could have come undone from the alligator clip in the drive. Its also possible you broke the little shifter clip in the drive as well.

No matter what you do, proceed with caution... this is how you lunch a $800+ gearset

Woodsy

[Team Jefe]

Dammit Woodsy....this problem you have of ALWAYS beating around the bush is really annoying.

For the love o' mike....get to the point:wink:

[TBroccoli]

I think you may have stretched the cable by trying to shift with the engine off. If so, you can adjust the barrel nut on top of the engine. You may also have broken the alligator clip that holds the end of the cable going into the outdrive. I actually broke the ball end of the cable by shifting without the engine running. Easy fix if thats the case. Good luck.

Tom