Loose port engine gear shifter on 48 Sundancer

[jff]

I have a 2005 48 Sundancer with the four brass topped bars for shifting in and out of gears on port side of the wheel and throttles on the starboard side. My port engine gear shifter all of a sudden has some 'play' in it. It still works as a shift from Reverse to Neutral to Forward and goes solidly into each gear, but all along the way there is a jiggle-amount of play in the shifter (even when it is in gear). Does anyone with my same model year 48 (or a 2006 if it has the same type of shifters) know exactly what is involved in tightening this up? It isn't very obvious from looking at the unit quickly but I'm assuming it's not a huge job. I'm posting in this forum rather than general maintenance in case anyone with a 48 has tightened up their shifters and could give me specific pointers for the 48 Sundancer.

Thanks for any/all advice.

Sincerely,
Jason

 

[Two Peas]

Mine have a set screw that keeps the shift arm tight. Look at the base of the shifter and you should find a screw that uses an allen key to tighten it.

 

[jff]

Yeah, I looked and if there is a screw there is must be behind a cap or something. Unfortunately I'm not at/near the boat right now but I'm pretty sure at the base there is a metal Sea Ray logo or something, not just an exposed screw as I have seen on other Sea Ray's.

Regards,
Jason

 

[Rich122]

Jason

The set screw is on the underside of the handle. pull the shift handle into reverse
(ENGINES OFF...jk) and you will see the screws.

Rich

 

[jff]

Ah, perfect - will check later this week, thanks Rich. I figured there was some trick to finding the adjustment screw.

Regards,
Jason

 

[chumbley]

Yes, mine had set screws as well. Though they are not exactly on the bottom, more like the 4 or 5 oclock position. Also, they are the same arm on each side, so one side needs to go forward to see the set screw, the other side needs to go back to see the set screw. Just tightened mine a few weeks ago to eliminate the slop.

 

[jff]

Perfect, good to know, thanks Chumbley.

Regards,
Jason

 

[billnpat]

Yes, mine had set screws as well. Though they are not exactly on the bottom, more like the 4 or 5 oclock position. Also, they are the same arm on each side, so one side needs to go forward to see the set screw, the other side needs to go back to see the set screw. Just tightened mine a few weeks ago to eliminate the slop.

Cant find my other post from last week about the same issue
today i tightened them up with 3/16 allen wrench:thumbsup:

thanks....

 

[sbw1]

Cant find my other post from last week about the same issue
today i tightened them up with 3/16 allen wrench:thumbsup:

thanks....

Keep the wrench in a handy place near the helm. You will use it several times during the season. Or, put some locktite on the set screw and tighten things up.