97 mercruiser 3.0l alpha one shift problems

[soloblazer]

i have a mercruiser 3.0l w. alpha one. its really hare to shift in and out of gear, either forward or reverse. if i just use the throttle and not shift gears the shifter moves easy, but when trying to shift in and out gear its very very hard. somethings its goes easy, but most time its hard. reverse is a little easier. it does this whether in or out of water and whether its running or not running its about the same. once in gear its runs great and when it actually does move it shifts smooth (doesn't grind or at least very very little) its also hard to go from gear to neutral. any ideas. it makes it really hard pulling up to docks and such..

thanks in advance.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: 97 mercruiser 3.0l alpha one shift problems

Try manually depressing the shift interrupt switch and see if the engine dies. It should. If it doesn't then you have narrowed your problem down.

 

[rstone826]

Re: 97 mercruiser 3.0l alpha one shift problems

it does this whether in or out of water and whether its running or not running its about the same.

i would say its time for a new shift cable. i ran with a hard shifter for a year. it got to the pornt when i needed one it would go in rev. but not come out.
i put the new one in myself wasnt as hard as i thought it would be and i made my own socket tool.but that you do needed to check your shift interrupt switch it needs to work

 

[soloblazer]

Re: 97 mercruiser 3.0l alpha one shift problems

yes the shift interupt switch is working, also its hard to shift even if the engine is not running. should i change the shift cable from the shifter to the engine mount or the engine mount to the outdrive?/

 

[Fishermark]

Re: 97 mercruiser 3.0l alpha one shift problems

The one from the engine compartment to the outdrive is the one that usually goes bad. Disconnect it and see if it pulls / pushes easily and smoothly.

 

[soloblazer]

Re: 97 mercruiser 3.0l alpha one shift problems

ok it doesnt pull easy, but i can pull and push it, how hard is it to change, the top at engine is easy but how does it change at outdrive and where.thanks

 

[Fishermark]

Re: 97 mercruiser 3.0l alpha one shift problems

You can go to the top of the page and download the appropriate manual under the "adults only" sticky. It will give you good info on more than just replacing the shift cable. Here is also a good place to see how to replace the shift cable.

 

[soloblazer]

Re: 97 mercruiser 3.0l alpha one shift problems

so it looks like you have to take off outdrive, right?

 

[Fishermark]

Re: 97 mercruiser 3.0l alpha one shift problems

Correct - but that's nothing to fear!

If you are mechanically inclined at all it is a fairly simple job.... but read the manual to get an idea of what is involved before attempting. Also - it is better to buy the OEM cable than an aftermarket. Works better and lasts longer.