Bravo III shifting.

Dec 15, 2021
46
Sarasota
Boat Info
2003 Sea Ray Sundeck w/496 HO Bravo III
Engines
496 HO Mercruiser w/B3 drive
Greetings and Happy New Year,
I recently bought a 270 Sundeck... 2003. Great boat, low hours, but it shifts very hard. I'm a good mechanic but I'm calling on those of you that have experienced and solved this issue. What would be the best order of attack? I'd like to solve this with the least amount of disassembly.
TIA
Russ
 
Disconnect the long shift cable at the throttle assembly. Then try moving your shifter. If its still stiff, then that would point to the long shift cable from the shifter to the throttle binding and in need of replacement.
 
Most common is the lower shift cable. Try the above suggestion, if that moves freely, then the lower Shift cable is the next thing to check. Common replacement item on a B3, especially if saltwater use boat.
 
…and if you aren’t aware, be sure to “not” move the shifter in and out of gear while the motor isn’t running. Bravo 3’s don’t like that and can gum up your lower shift cable/bracket.
 
easier to disconnect the cables at the shift plate on the engine. That will tell you where the bind is. Lower shift cable is most common.
 
You are reading these replies, right? 2 cables, and the lower cable is the one that wears out first.
 
Additionally, the lower shift cable connects to a bell crank with a spring loaded detent ball inside the upper portion of the outdrive. If the lower shift cable is difficult to shift the spring loaded detent is known cause excessive shifting force. So… before a cable is ordered verify the shifting bell crank operates freely.
 
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You don't need to be an asshole. Of course I've read the replies. Did you read my post? I asked if the shift cable was continuous from the remote to the lower unit. Or, is it two piece with a


Yes I'm reading these posts. No need to be an asshole.
Wow… Two assholes…. Great way to ask for help and receive
 

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