Having occasional trouble shifting my Bravo 1 / 502 MAG MPI in a 1999 Baja 232. At the end of last season, after a years of problem free shifting, the shifting into forward would work intermittently. Adjusting the shift cable did give some relief, less frequent, but didn't cure the problem. The shift mechanism (at engine) where the lower shift cable and control cables appears to move freely from the control standpoint. I can't recall, but I think a little "help" on the mechanism completed the shift.

I'm 90% sure I need to replace the lower cable, but before I tear into it, thought I'd just sound it off this board first to confirm.

Thanks in advance.

Disconnect the cable from the shift lever at the bracket and move the cable by hand( with the engine running) if it shifts into gear consistently it’s probably an issue with the cable, if it doesn’t ( since it’s a 99’) you’ll probably have to do the gear upgrade kit ( gears, clutch and fork)

Disconnected, and with the motor running I can shift both Forward and Reverse with moderate force. I don't know how difficult it should be to move, I would say it takes moderate+ force into Forward, and Moderate- into reverse.
Either way engages the prop on the trailer out of the water. Note that when I first started the boat for the season on the trailer yesterday it shifted in/out of gear with the controls. My shift control pressure has always had more resistance then expected since I've owned the boat. I did not try to move the controls with the lower shift cable detached. crap, should have tried that while it was dissassembled.

you need to re perform the test in water...with load on the prop. We had bad cone clutches and it was not symptomatic on the trailer. Needs to be done in the water.

What other years require a "gear upgrade kit" and what is it specifically. First I'm hearing of this.

Thanks

Anything pre OM serial # sometime around 2000 when the came out with the X, XZ, XR even the std Bravos got the thick floored gears, the old gears are no longer available

What about the neutral shift switch and shifting linkage centering spring? Is that set up on this engine?