Sportmaster shift cable adjustment???

[David Johns]

Am I the only one or does anyone else have a difficult time getting their motor out of gear on Sportmaster gearcase. I have adjusted the cable until I'm blue in the face and it does not make a difference. The easiest way to get into neutral is to unload the gear by shutting the motor off. Boy thats scary when your running around the docks. I have been making cable adjustments by following the service manual. The engine shifts in and out of gear like a dream sitting in my garage until you restart the engine. Note: Seems to be more difficult on higher pitched props.:confused:

Also, Does it hurt to shut the engine off at idle speed in gear? I hear a clicking noise.

For what its worth I have Mercury Platinum series cables. 1 year old.
Thanks!!!

[THE HOGG]

Most Everybody Shifts With The Motor Off Because Of That And To Save Wear And Tear On The Gears. Once You Get Used To It Its Not Bad At All. The Clicking Noise You Are Hearing Is The Gearcase Ratcheting, Its Designed To Do That.

[Djohns]

Thanks for the reply. I am talking about when you are already in gear approaching the sandbar or dock where you need to leave your motor running to navigate, shifting back and forth in gear to neutral. I already start my engine in gear. I like that feature.


Dave