Alpha One Gen II Ratcheting in Reverse

[Jwally]

Hey all. I just winterized, replaced the gimbal bearing, and reinstalled my Mercruiser Alpha One Gen II drive. After reinstalling, it sometimes makes a ratcheting sound when shifted to reverse. It seems to be more prevalent when shifting more slowly, as opposed to the short, forceful stroke recommended. However, I did not have a problem like this before I removed the drive. I have linked a youtube video I posted. The first time I am putting the drive in forward gear for reference.

The video is posted here: Mercruiser Alpha One Gen II Ratchting in Reverse - YouTube

Also, the motor will not always crank when the remote controller is in neutral. I sometimes have to wiggle it around or put it 1/4 forward in throttle only to get the motor to crank. Something tells me these two issues are related.

The boat was winterized so I won't be able to run it for a few months, but any suggestions on possible parts I'll need or what to try are welcome.

Merry Christmas!

 

[wrench 3]

Re: Alpha One Gen II Ratcheting in Reverse

R&I-ing the drive shouldn't have affected that. Make sure you cables operate freely. Get a repair manual and adjust them by the book.

And a Merry Christmas to you too.

 

[tazrig]

Re: Alpha One Gen II Ratcheting in Reverse

Here are a couple of links that should help:

View attachment A1G2 Shift Cable Adjust.pdf

Boatinfo - Mercruiser Service Manual nr. 14 - 1991-Current - Sterndrives Alpha One Gen II</

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Alpha One Gen II Ratcheting in Reverse

Hi there, Have a quick question for you. When you removed the stern drive, did you have it in full forward gear?

 

[Jwally]

Re: Alpha One Gen II Ratcheting in Reverse

Hi there, Have a quick question for you. When you removed the stern drive, did you have it in full forward gear?

I did put the throttle in the full forward position when removing the drive and kept it there throughout. Thanks for the shift cable recommendations, I will check on it after the holidays.

 

[Jwally]

Re: Alpha One Gen II Ratcheting in Reverse

So we got some good weather in the Carolinas and I got a chance to work on this. I adjusted the lower shift cable per this video by AChris: Mercruiser Alpha Shift cable adjustment - YouTube

Ended up adjusting the end of the shift cable about halfway into the guide slot (it was all the way at the end). He says in the video this may help with reverse problems...and lo and behold the ratchet in reverse is gone and shifting is smooth in both directions. I have also noticed that the "throttle open" button will not engage and seems to be stuck. Noticed this before I did the adjustment. Should I post another thread about this?

Thanks!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Alpha One Gen II Ratcheting in Reverse

So we got some good weather in the Carolinas and I got a chance to work on this. I adjusted the lower shift cable per this video by AChris: Mercruiser Alpha Shift cable adjustment - YouTube

Ended up adjusting the end of the shift cable about halfway into the guide slot (it was all the way at the end). He says in the video this may help with reverse problems...and lo and behold the ratchet in reverse is gone and shifting is smooth in both directions. I have also noticed that the "throttle open" button will not engage and seems to be stuck. Noticed this before I did the adjustment. Should I post another thread about this?

Thanks!

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,... Ya mean Throttle Only button,..?? on the controller,..??

Tryin' pickin' it out with a pick or small screwdriver, 'n lube it,....

If that don't work post a new thread, with pictures of yer controller,...

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Alpha One Gen II Ratcheting in Reverse

I have also noticed that the "throttle open" button will not engage and seems to be stuck. Noticed this before I did the adjustment. Should I post another thread about this?

It would be better if you do start a new thread. But before doing so have a look at this thread linked below as you may see we will need as much info about your control unit as you can provide. Also try searching as this question seems to come up often. Problem is repairing the throttle only button is a hit and miss. Sometimes you can play around with it till it pops out or you may need a new one altogether. Good luck.

http://forums.iboats.com/mercruiser...tton-puts-boat-neutral-doest-work-640745.html

 

[wrench 3]

Re: Alpha One Gen II Ratcheting in Reverse

With an older unit it's not unusual to have to shake the shift lever back and forth a little to get the button to go in.