Alpha 1 Shifting Problems

[555plumber]

Hello Everyone, I was wondering if you could give me some advice on some problems with my 1990 Bayliner Capri 180 ,its powered by a Mercruiser 3.0 with an Alpha 1 outdrive.The last time I took it out it ran great for about a half hour but when I stopped for a little while I had a hard time getting into forward but I finally got it into gear. The boat ran fine for a little while longer but when I stopped again I couldnt get it back into forward or reverse.I checked the shift interuptor switch and it seems to work fine.I also noticed after I got it back home that I can spin the Prop both ways by hand if the drive is down but if I raise the Drive up to the trailering position , I can only spin the prop clockwise and when I try to Turn the prop counterclockwise it locks up. also when it turns by hand clockwise I hear a clicking sound. Any info would be greatly appreciated....thanks

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Alpha 1 Shifting Problems

sounds like a problem in the lower shift cable someplace if drive angle changes gear engagement.<br /> repost this on the mercruiser forum and you will get a lot more replies. do you have the factory service manual? have you checked the condition of the gearcase oil and the lower magnet for metal?

 

[555plumber]

Re: Alpha 1 Shifting Problems

Thanks for the reply rodbolt.I have the clymer manual for the engine and sterndrive.I changed the gearoil 2 weeks before i started having shifting problems and there were metal chips on the magnetic drain plug, but in the manual it says that a minimal amount is from normal wear and tear.....I had very little...somebody mentioned to me that it could be the motor coupler but I didnt smell any "burnt clutch" smell or rubber burning.I dont know if this will help solve the problem, but the guy I bought the boat off told me that he stored the boat for 3 years with the outdrive in the full up position...could that have anything to do with it?

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Alpha 1 Shifting Problems

beats me.<br /> its possible. have you inspected anything? and describe going into gear. did the shifter move ok? a spun coupler hub will normally allow for idle sppeds only. spun coupler splines will allow no speeds and cause an overheat, a broken upper drive shaft will allow no fwd motion and no water pumping.

 

[555plumber]

Re: Alpha 1 Shifting Problems

It shifted smooth the first time I shifted and the second time it reved up a little and "slipped" into gear with a "clunk" but it ran smooth after that with no strange noises from the powertrain.But the third time I tried, it just reved up and wouldnt go into gear.......It wouldnt go into forward or reverse,I had to get towed back to the ramp. Tomorrow I will check the gearoil again to see if any more chips are present.Could a spun propeller hub be the culprit?.....I have never hit anything, but when i bought the boat there were some major dings in the prop...some are even "curled" over...Thanks again for the quick reply

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha 1 Shifting Problems

Very fine gringing compound like stuff on the magnet is normal, Chips are not normal at all. That is something coming apart.<br />I would suggest you get the drive inspected by a qualified Merc mechanic, before you loose the compelete drive. Bent over blades indicates impact. Could be the upper drive gear trying to turn in to a smooth gear or even the lower pinion. What ever, chips are NOT normal.

 

[555plumber]

Re: Alpha 1 Shifting Problems

Sorry about that, what i really meant was really fine grit from wear and tear.....Thanks for the advice Don

 

[Bondo]

Re: Alpha 1 Shifting Problems

You Might Possibly have Other Issues as well,......<br /><br />But,... You Definitely Need a Lower Shift Cable...........