Mercury Mariner 8/9.9HP 4-Stroke Factory Service Manual, Page 36Get this manual
Shift and Throttle Cable Installation To The Outboard Install the shift cable and throttle cable into the remote control and mount the remote control following instructions which are provided the remote control
6Check shift cable adjustments as follows:
aWith remote control in forward the propshaft should lock solidly in gearIf it does not, adjust the cable barrel closer to the cable end guidebShift remote control into neutralThe propshaft should turn freely without dragIf not, adjust the barrel away from the cable end guideRepeat steps and bcShift remote control into reverse while turning propellerThe propshaft should lock solidly in gearIf not, adjust the barrel away from the cable end guideRepeat steps thru cdReturn remote control handle to neutralThe propeller should turn freely without dragIf not, adjust the barrel closer to the cable end guideRepeat steps thru d
NOTE: Install the shift cable before the throttle cableThe shift cable is the first cable to move when the remote control handle is moved into gear