Shift cable replacement - what else?-gctid375187

[wgander]

I've had shifting problems for over a year and will be taking it to a shop for repair: what else should I consider checking while it's there?

The initial problem was that it wouldn't shift out of reverse unless you gave it one more bump forward to the neutral detent. Now it takes several attempts to shift into forward; the throttle runs up the RPM, but the transmission may stay in neutral.

I removed the cables, adjusted the lengths and reinstalled them. It worked OK at the wash rack and launch ramp a couple of weeks ago. I took it out this weekend and after backing off the trailer I didn't think I'd ever get it into forward gear. I made a quick change to the length of one cable and it worked OK for several shifts the next 15 minutes.

The boat is 14 years old with the original Commander 3000 shifter and cables. The engine was replaced several years ago and the carburetor was rebuilt this year. I've replaced the bilge pump with a bigger one, added a fuel/water separating filter, and replaced the engine trimtilt cylinders.

[wgander]

The shift problem seems to have the result of a the throttle cable being stiff. (I never noticed; but now that it's been replaced it's obvious - the new one is so smooth and easy to operate.) They also changed one of the shift cables. Sea trial today and it shifted easily in and out of gear.

They said my drive was leaking - it wasn't before, but my boat must have decided to start leaking on the way to the shop. So, they changed the impeller and resealed the leg. Said the bellows didn't have to be changed.