Reverse lever

[John Churn]

Just bought a 2004 155 4 tec jet boat.

While checking it over in the garage I noticed when I move the shift lever from reverse to forward I don't see the gate move. The lever moves freely and the locks seem to work controlling the throttle. Does the engine have to be running for this to work?

The last PWC I had was a 3 seat 750 Polaris. This is quite a step up for me and very unfamiliar.

 

[seadooya]

unbolt the lever unit assy, and inspect the cable/lever for either/both to be broken...

 

[John Churn]

So you are saying it is a manual direct connect. If I move the lever I should see the cable move? If the gate was frozen then the lever shouldn't move unless the cable is broken at the lever. The cable seems in tact at the gate.

 

[kustomkarl]

The cable could be broken at the control levers. Remove the 4 screws and the top bezel then the 4 screws under that. The whole assy should just lift out to check the cable.If you want you can go to the "parts" link at the top of the page and follow it to your application for a picture breakdown of all the parts in the control assy.

Karl

 

[seadoosnipe]

Model boat?

So you are saying it is a manual direct connect. If I move the lever I should see the cable move? If the gate was frozen then the lever shouldn't move unless the cable is broken at the lever. The cable seems in tact at the gate.

If you would, edit your profile to show us what type boat you have. I have a feeling its the Sportster.

Like Seadooya said above, you'll need to break your connection at the reverser bucket. Then, you can have someone push the shift lever forward, then into neutral, then into reverse. If your alone, you can also just break that connector from the reverse gate and grab the ball end with your hand and try to pull it back and forth. If it's not broken, it will be real hard to move. If it's broken, then it will move freely.

To answer the question, yes, ..... The cable is connected from the shift lever to the reverse gate, totally mechanical. No electrical motors involved.:cheers:

 

[johnchurn]

Thanks guys for the information. I understand what you are saying.

I had some problems with the login last night and this AM but I am rolling now.

Yes it is a Sportster 4 Tec

Now if the cable is bad, How many mounts is the cable attached to? If they are just attached at each end,can I take the cable loose from the supports at each end and tape the new cable to it ? Will it pull thru and just hook up the new cable ends? Is that the procedure.

 

[johnchurn]

OK guys, I checked the locking mechanism and it was partially jammed, thanks to the drawing blowup, I was able to get everything working. Shifts smooth from forward to reverse. Thank Heavens. I was looking at a $144.00 cable and I just got it.

I am looking for a manual, so I will look over this site to try and find one. There is a lot to learn. I am sure I will have a few more questions in the mean time.

 

[johnchurn]

Bilge blower

On the 2004 Sportster 4 Tec when you operate the bilge blower does it also operate a bilge pump in case of any water build up?

Do they even have bilge pumps installed?

 

[seadoosnipe]

Blower

The blower and bilge should be on different circuits.

The bilge pump should also run automatically, even with the bilge switch turned off.

I have not looked at your electrical layout, but thats the normal way they work.

Great to hear your cable is o.k.. because it's a pain to replace. You really can't pull it through like you suggested. You basically have to feed it into the engine compartment, then into the side of the hull to the control handle. You can tie a thin rope or twine to the old cable so that when you pull it out, you have something you can help with the direction. But the turns that stiff cable have to take, are too tight for pulling it through.....:cheers: