[Matta0413]

My starboard engine shift level is very tight. At first I thought it was a shift cable, but I took the cover off the binnacle and you can hear the friction when I use the shift lever. The port side is smooth as silk. Is there anyway to lubricate or adjust the shift lever?

[jclark003]

I've had many cables fool me into thinking I had issues with the throttle/shift linkage or the gear linkage. If you haven't done so I would recommend disconnecting the cable and see if it actually is the shifting lever and linkage. Usually the cables pop right off after removing the end cover. A binding cable can put stress on the mechanism and make it seem like that is the problem. They can also telegraph noise to both ends. Swapping cables is an easy test as well.

Otherwise you can try a spray penetrating oil like pb blaster, then follow up with a spray lithium grease. Also some linkages have a teflon sleeve at the base to reduce friction. Compare both sides and see if one is missing or has failed.

[Maxwell]

With the helm pulled forward, shift in and out of gear while looking for anything on the underside of the shift mechanism binding. Make sure all of the u bolts holding the cable end in place are tight... If you don't see anything, disconnect the cable and see how the shifter feels

Are the cables original? If so (actually either way) I would triple check that its not the cable. The usually give you some warning by being harder to move etc before they fail. They usually tend to fail right as you're trying to maneuver in tight areas and it gets a little exciting... I learned that one last summer thankfully without incident. Either way, the cables themselves are not that difficult to replace.

[Matta0413]

Thanks - I will disconnect the cable next and see how the shifter operates.

[Maxwell]

When you reconnect or replace the cables, be sure to go in the engine room looking at the shift mechanism on the transmission while someone operates the shifter at the helm to make sure that it goes all the way into and out of gear. It may wear/damage the clutch if it doesn't go all the way in/out of gear.

max