Expert: Everett Peacock - 1/30/2009

Question
I have a 2003 Mercury 225 Optimax, it will not engage in forwards until the motor warms up a few minutes.  It just clicks.  Reverse always works fine.  It started doing this once the water temperature got down to 39 degrees.  The fluid has been recently changed.

Answer
adjust the shift cable.....for more forward movement.....what is happening is...the shift cable adj is off, it should shift in both gears at any temp...when your drive oil gets warm it is less ressistance for the clutch dog to go in to gear...adjust your shift cable and the problem will go away...