How to Adjust a Yamaha 9.9 Outboard Shift Linkage

The shift linkage on the 9.9-horsepower Yamaha outboard motor can be repaired, if necessary, by removing and overhauling its lower unit, but it can be adjusted at the tiller handle. As the throttle-and-shift grip is twisted, the linkage cable is pulled or extended to move the outboard's shift rod. The adjustment regulates how the cable controls the shift rod, and how the shift rod moves the gears in the lower unit between "Forward," "Neutral" and "Reverse."

Things You'll Need

  • Small adjustable wrench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the motor's top cover to access the throttle cam on the carburetor and the pulley below it.

    • 2

      Move the twist grip on the tiller handle into "Reverse." Route the cable over the top of the throttle cam. Secure the cable in the groove on the pulley. Push the cable jacket into the cable anchor bracket's upper notch.

    • 3

      Twist the grip to "Forward." Position the remaining cable under the throttle cam. Secure the cable into the pulley groove. Push the cable jacket into the anchor bracket's lower notch, to lock the control cables in the cable anchor bracket.

    • 4

      Rotate the twist grip to "Neutral." Remove slack from the shift cable by adjusting the jam nuts with a small adjustable wrench. Verify that you can shift between "Forward," "Reverse" and "Neutral" while moving the throttle.