Speedster 150 - Very Stiff Shifting - Reverse, Neutral, Forward

[coolheiser44]

Hi everyone,

Over the past 2 years the shifting has gotten harder and stiffer progressively in my Speedster 150 '07 w/ 155hp. It's nearly impossible to get the boat in forward now, feeling like I'll snap the cable at any moment with all the force I'm putting on it to get it to engage forward.

Is the only remedy to completely replace the reverse cable? Has anyone seen any particular areas to inspect, or lube, relating to stiff shifting?

The throttle is completely fine, it's as smooth as ever. Thanks for your help!

 

[pwgsx]

Sounds like a bad cable.

 

[merc596]

Had the same issue with my speedster but not the cable it was the shift gate that redirects the water flow from the pump. Loosen the bolts that hold the gate to the pump body and lube the bolts and sleeves and see if that fixes before you change the cable.

 

[coolheiser44]

Thanks Merc. I'll give that a shot and report back!

 

[Coastiejoe]

Disconnect it at both ends. Then operate the shifter an the gate by Han to see if it is smooth. I so, you need a cable.

 

[coolheiser44]

Disconnect it at both ends. Then operate the shifter an the gate by Han to see if it is smooth. I so, you need a cable.

When you say "disconnect it from both ends" are you referring to the cable? Disconnect from the shifter and by the gate?

 

[Coastiejoe]

When you say "disconnect it from both ends" are you referring to the cable? Disconnect from the shifter and by the gate?

Yep. At the shifter and at the gate. This will tell you the issue for sure. If it is the cable which it likely is, you have to disconnect it anyways...


Repairing and selling iPads, iPhones and Mini iPads.

 

[coolheiser44]

Ok thanks for the tips - I'll inspect it. How difficult is replacing the cable? I'm moderately handy...the parts diagram has me a little worried though, it looks like a ton of parts.

Also, if it is just the sleeves/bolts needing lubricant at the gate, what kind of lube do you use...no jokes

 

[Coastiejoe]

A quality marine grease is your best option. It will tolerate the water an wants to stick to what you put it on.

 

[coolheiser44]

My new Reverse Cable came from SBT today - I'm getting ready to replace the old reverse cable and have a question after reviewing the Shop Manual instructions...

The manual suggests you need a specific "steering cable tool" for the job of removing the old reverse cable "use the steering cable tool to unscrew the reverse cable lock...", is this tool necessary? Or can it be done with a standard tool?

 

[pwgsx]

I don't think so, isn't it just a nut on the cable?

 

[Coastiejoe]

Others have changed it with no mention of special tools that I recall.

 

[coolheiser44]

I appreciate the input guys, thank you. I'm pulling it out this weekend to inspect and fix myself (hopefully avoiding the dealer who quoted me at least $350 just in labor).

Question for those with this similar issue of stiff shifting, did it come on all of the sudden or was it more gradual? I'm assuming if it's the cable it would just suddenly snap...this is why I'm going to lube the sleeves and bolts of the reverse gate first. Is there a way to adjust the existing cable or connections to fix this issue? It's really only when shifting between forward and neutral, otherwise it operates normally.

 

[pwgsx]

Mine was like that when I got it used. Figured it was normal but it seems to be worse now. Its easier to shift from R to F than from N to F on mine.

 

[coolheiser44]

Solved the issue of stiff shifting today - the bolts and sleeves holding the reverse gate in place were corroding, dirty, and in need of grease (thank you Merc596 for this suggestion). I cleaned and greased these first (prior to trying to replacing the cable) and sure enough the boat shifts like butter now in all directions...no need for a new cable, hasn't shifted this well since new! Apparently my old reverse cable is just fine.

For those that have stiff shifting, check your reverse gate bolts/sleeves first prior to ordering/installing a new cable, you may not need it. Thanks everyone for the input, hope this post saves someone some time and $$$!