Alpha one gen one shifting

[90stingray]

Changed impeller and reassembled drive last winter but never started her. Shifts good into fwd but if I go to reverse it clicks like not fully engaged. Did I get the shifter paw one spline off when reassembling? Would it be better to open drive back up and move it one spline? Or should i just adjust the cables to make it right? I have never adjusted the cables before. Let me know, thanks.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Alpha one gen one shifting

Ayuh,... If yer off by a spline, there's Not enough adjustment available to make up the difference...

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Alpha one gen one shifting

Shifts good into fwd but if I go to reverse it clicks like not fully engaged. Did I get the shifter paw one spline off when reassembling?

Does the control handle move freely back and fourth? If you were "off by a spline" the control handle would be jammed and you would not be able to move it to reverse. Try the procedure described here starting on page 89: http://www.perfprotech.com/store/app_themes/ppt/images/tech-specs/alpha-shift-adjust.pdf Good luck.

 

[rlambert]

Re: Alpha one gen one shifting

Same thing has happened to me except in the forward gear. I assumed it was the lower unit going bad, as it is 25 yrs old, from wear. You might have the same deal. The clutch dog has to slide the gears to mesh and the gears/bearings can wear. But, you should definitely try to adjust the shift cable first. I plan on trying that myself however my drive had shifted fine until recently so I assume it can't be corrected by cable adjustment. Probably going to go with the aftermarket sierra lower drive. Anyone use these? Do they hold up. Price is reasonable.

 

[90stingray]

Re: Alpha one gen one shifting

Does the control handle move freely back and fourth? If you were "off by a spline" the control handle would be jammed and you would not be able to move it to reverse. Try the procedure described here starting on page 89: http://www.perfprotech.com/store/app_themes/ppt/images/tech-specs/alpha-shift-adjust.pdf Good luck.

Yes control handle moves freely. Shifted fine before I touched it. Just figured I got her off a little. I guess I will open it back up.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Alpha one gen one shifting

Yes control handle moves freely. Shifted fine before I touched it. Just figured I got her off a little. I guess I will open it back up.

Don't, at least not yet. If it shifts freely (WOT forward to WOT reverse), then it was put back together correctly. Assuming that you had it in forward (lower shift shaft all the way clockwise, shoe pointed straight ahead) when you took it apart, the only way to put it back together incorrectly (off a spline) would be for the gearcase to have been accidentally sifted into N or R (shift shaft turned CCW). If you then tried to shift to N or R, it would try to turn the shaft further CCW and it will not go, the handle would jam. Do the cable adjustment procedure. Let us know if that helps.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Alpha one gen one shifting

FYI for stingray and rlambert: The way that it shifts is a crank on the lower shift shaft slides the shift spool back and fourth to engage either forward or reverse. That spool can become worn to the point where it will not engage the gears properly. If you go to the Merc alpha manual section 1C, shift troubleshooting it will show you how to make a gauge that can check the amount of ware you have on your shift spool. I don't have a link, but I am sure if you ask someone can provide one to you. Good luck.

 

[90stingray]

Re: Alpha one gen one shifting

Is the adjustment procedure a 2 person job? Seems like they want to hold prop in a position and adjust cables. I have never done this before. Its usually just me in the evenings working on the boat. Any tips or a quick rundown of the procedure would be appreciated.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Alpha one gen one shifting

You can hold the prop in place with a bungee.

 

[rlambert]

Re: Alpha one gen one shifting

How did it go?

 

[90stingray]

Re: Alpha one gen one shifting

How did it go?

Reinstalled drive (was off for gimbal bearing change) That was a little but of a chore. I will need to modify my drive stand for an easier next time. Anywho, moved control full fwd and full aft... made the full travel with no issues. Fired it up and went thru the gears with no issues. I'm good to go! I was going to go for a maintenance run to the lake yesterday but the wind was crazy.