[Dereckson]

I purchased and installed a new SE106 upper and lower unit a couple of months ago. The drive probably has 10 hours on it now. I was attempting to trailer the boat last weekend, shifting into forward and back into reverse a few times, and then I had a problem. The boat would not shift into neutral. I ended up running my boat up onto the concrete ramp because I couldn't get it to back up. After shutting off the engine and putting it back into neutral, I can shift into reverse, but not back into neutral.
Basically, shutting off the engine allows me to put it into neutral. From there, I can go into forward or reverse, but not back to neutral. The shifter seems like it is stuck in gear. It doesn't go into the neutral position until I shut off the engine. What would cause this issue? I have not tried shifting with the boat out of the water yet. I am just hoping my drive is not damaged.

[atomesix87]

My guess is it will shift fine on land, and that is because your shift bracket is most likely bad. You cam verify that by tripping the switch while the engine is running. The engine should stall, if not it is bad. The switch is located on the engine mounted shift bracket.

[hritzen]

[KInkade341]

Shift Interrupter Switches
Pre-Alpha, Alpha One and Alpha Gen II engines use a Shift Interrupter Switch.
This switch allows the drive to shift back into neutral with less effort.
If the switch is defective or disconnected it will be very difficult to get neutral.
If the shift cable is bad, it can cause the switch to "over-activate" and stall the engine when you shift.

[corwin78]

The older original switches used a metal fulcrum lever with a roller on the end.
These switches are no longer in production.

[bretthart32]

These older switches can no longer be purchased.
Instead, you must order a complete Shift Plate Mechanism.
The new shift plate mechanism uses an improved switch design.
Mercruiser has the buyer refer to Bulletin MCM 02-01 for the correct shift plate mechanism.

[businessbroke832]

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 9 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time.

[pimaster]

This article has been viewed 79,862 times.

[MrBison]

Shifting can be easy once you know the basics and have practiced a little. Mercruiser shifters have some features that you need to know. There are several different models and styles of Mercruiser remote controls. These instructions/tips are for a standard later-model top mount or panel mount Mercruiser remote control.

[hotdrop]

Is there a way of lubing the the cables from throttle lever to engine? I do alot of work on motorbikes and its a simple job but there is no way (that i can see) of getting oil into the cable?

[lachesis]

My question is: What will happen if i bypass the switch so ignition doesnt cut out?

[cdb000]

As above, when shidting from first to neutral the engine cuts out. Now i already know this is to do with the ignition cut out micro switch.. theres propbably a name for it but i think you'll get the idea! [links]

[wizzard0]

As above, when shidting from first to neutral the engine cuts out. Now i already know this is to do with the ignition cut out micro switch.. theres propbably a name for it but i think you'll get the idea!