Mercruiser Bravo drive shift problem (Detent Ball Replacement in Bravo 3)

Had some stiff shifting, I replaced all shift cables and my shift lever assembly in the boat and still had stiff shifting. What I found was the detent ball assembly was ceased. You can clean them, but I'd just replace it if your able to. This is how to do it.

[@nunyabiness417]

Thank you! After breaking 2 shift cables I found your video and fixed it.

[@Slickmick1777]

Awesome! Glad it helped!

[@DC_DC_DC_DC]

Good video, thanks!

[@williambrydges1329]

Does the shifter boot/ bellow keep water out of the cavity? It does not attach to the housing. I am having water somehow get into my detent ball area and then I can't shift the boat. I resealed the cover and drive with gasket maker with no luck.

[@Slickmick1777]

So typically if your shift boot is bad you get water coming into your engine side of your boat more so than the cavity. But when I replaced the boot with the shift cable it took care of my problem, along it might help to line your gasket with a little rtv to help seal it up if the water continues to be a problem.

[@Rabbydabbydoo]

Mines stiff but ball pushes in fine but when I refit it, it seems stiff. I’m wondering if it’s been over greased as it was packed with grease. I’m thinking it might only need lightly oiled ?

[@Slickmick1777]

It might, give it a shot and see if it's better

[@Rabbydabbydoo]

Yeah that’s the plan for the weekend. Be a weird fix if that’s the issue.

[@williambrydges1329]

My detent ball is not fixed/ crimped into the sleeve. I noticed both of your ball are still in the sleeve. Is this any issue?

[@williambrydges1329]

I just swapped out the ball and sleeve with one that holds the ball in. The drive is easier to shift now. Both balls could be pushed in with about the same force, but I guess the side load created by the lever was making it binde some.

[@user-ti1yt5hv9y]

is it shifting better now?

[@Slickmick1777]

Yes