Alpha 1 shift lever connection

[Rutto]

Hello,
one of the several problems I faced in my first test run on the lake was that at a certain point I was not able to go in forward / reverse.
When I put back the boat on the trailer I found out what the issue was, look at the picture... it's self explanatory (this is the Alpha intermediate shift shaft).

The intermediate shift shaft is somehow in a lower position and this way do not get engaged by the lever.

Looking HERE I think I miss the washer (#24) and the cotted pin (#23).
As a temporary solution I inserted a stainless steel clamp at the bottom of the intermediate shift shaft which seems to do it's job very well ! Do you think it's a good temporary solution or is there any reason I should go out for my test run this way ?

Thank you !

 

[sheboyganjohn]

Re: Alpha 1 shift lever connection

The washer and cotter pin are under the housing so they will do nothing for the hight of the shift shaft. The shaft sits down on the lower shift shaft. Could be that shaft is sitting too low, could have a worn bushing where this shaft pitcured goes through the housing, could be a mis adjustment in the upper shaft.

 

[sheboyganjohn]

Re: Alpha 1 shift lever connection

Also, to help the more knowledgeable, let us know the year and model engine we are dealing with here.

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: Alpha 1 shift lever connection

Looks like you forgot to install the Stainless steel washer over the shift shaft of the lower before you mated the halves back together.
The washer missing goes between the upper and lower halves over the shift shaft of the lower.

It probably fell off and on the floor without you realizing it.

 

[Rutto]

Re: Alpha 1 shift lever connection

Also, to help the more knowledgeable, let us know the year and model engine we are dealing with here.

Hi sheboyganjohn, thanks for your support. The boat is dated '89, when I checked the engine S/N in a website it stated it's a '92 but this winter I had to replace it and the one I got seems 100% new despite it was written remanufactured at the time I bouth it.
It's a Mercruiser 5.7L with carburetor.
Parts catalog with S/N says "MERCRUISER W/ PS 5.7L ALPHA" hope this helps.

 

[sheboyganjohn]

Re: Alpha 1 shift lever connection

Look at this link, http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...GEAR+HOUSING(DRIVESHAFT)+-+(COUNTER+ROTATION)

Item 52 is what Eric is talking about.

 

[achris]

Re: Alpha 1 shift lever connection

Classic missing washer...

 

[Rutto]

Re: Alpha 1 shift lever connection

Classic missing washer...

Thanks achris, all,
do you think that the stainless steel clamp I apply as a workaround can allow me for a quick test trip ?

PS
I'll make a shot of the workaround tonight so you can better judge.

 

[achris]

Re: Alpha 1 shift lever connection

Thanks achris, all,
do you think that the stainless steel clamp I apply as a workaround can allow me for a quick test trip ?

PS
I'll make a shot of the workaround tonight so you can better judge.

Why not just fix it properly? Take the drive off, remove all the nuts except the 2 on the sides at the front. Lay the drive on the ground, on it's port side, split the halves, fit the new washer and button it up. Being on the port side means the oil passage between the 2 halves is upper most and you won't lose any oil. Just check the quad ring as you button the halves up, make sure it's still in place.... Oh, and open and close the vent screw in the upper housing before you start... Relieves any pressure inside.

Should only take about 15-20 minutes.....

Chris........