1988 Alpha I won't go into reverse

[pmgrape]

I have a 1988 renken with a Mercruised 3.0L and Alpha I outdrive. I've been having trouble getting it to shift into reverse. I had the lower unit apart to replact the pump and was able to shift the lower unit into reverse and forward with no problems. I also removed the upper unit and cleared out all the nastiness in the space around the end of the lower shift cable. I also removed the lower shift cable from the engine and with the engine running I mannually pulled the cable. It moved good, and netral and forward were no problem, but I couldn't hit reverse. <br />Could my lower shift cable be in need of replacement? Could there be some play in the linkage between the end of the cable at the transome and the lower unit?<br /><br />Thanks<br />Brian

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: 1988 Alpha I won't go into reverse

Originally posted by pmgrape:<br /> I have a 1988 renken with a Mercruised 3.0L and Alpha I outdrive. <br />Could my lower shift cable be in need of replacement?<br /><br />Thanks<br />Brian

Thats a very good possibility if it has never been changed before

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: 1988 Alpha I won't go into reverse

Yes! I would replace the cable.....JK<br />You could try adjusting at the "Barrel Nut", but I would just replace the 18 year old cable & I would check the condition of the u-joint bellows as well

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1988 Alpha I won't go into reverse

Did it have Reverse Before you did the waterpump,..???...<br />Did you do the service with EVERYTHING in Forward,..??....<br />

Could my lower shift cable be in need of replacement? Could there be some play in the linkage between the end of the cable at the transome and the lower unit?

Your Issue COULD be Either,... Or Both.......

 

[pmgrape]

Re: 1988 Alpha I won't go into reverse

The cable appears to be the original cable. It was starting to not want to go into reverse last year before before I replaced the lower unit pump.<br />I'm thinking it could be the cable too, but I'm just wondering if there could be an issue in the upper unit between the cable end and the lower unit that could cause this.<br />Thanks

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: 1988 Alpha I won't go into reverse

Originally posted by Bondo:<br /> <br />Did you do the service with EVERYTHING in Forward,..??....