alpha 1 reverse problem

[kmat]

Hello:

89 alpha 1 merc 165 HP 3.7

New cable installed 3 seasons ago. U joint replaced 2 seasons ago.
Boat worked fine last season shifting was like brand new
on 2nd outing this season lost reverse. boat stays engaged in forward, neutral and reverse positions - must turn off engine to disengage from forward.

On start up from neutral - without going into forward - but directly from neutral into reverse, engine revs but will not engage.

No noise or grinding coming from outdrive. Boat currently in water.

Gear lube change prior to launch did not show any significant shavings or apparant gear damage.

????

suggestions anyone?

 

[Don S]

Re: alpha 1 reverse problem

Disconnect the drive (lower) shift cable. Start on muffs and see if you can shift the drive by moving the cable. If it shifts ok, then your problem is probably in the throttle/shift control.

 

[kmat]

Re: alpha 1 reverse problem

Thanks Don, I will look into that.

 

[kmat]

Re: alpha 1 reverse problem

well this turned out to be a very simple fix...

after removing lower shift control - found the cable pulled out of the clevis pin
which - I suspect when my cable was replaced 3 years ago it likely was not tighted firmly due to some rust - boats a 89' wellcraft.