alpha one going in gear at fast idle

[atwall2011]

I have an 89 mercruiser 470 with an alpha one outdrive. My control is the style that you pull the whole handle out in the neutral position to adjust the throttle without putting it in gear all works flawlessly except... after a few minutes at a fast idle (1500-2000 RPM) the outdrive makes a clicking noise and the prop tries to turn, almost like is trying to go into gear by itself. Any ideas on what's causing this, rectification? Also, seriousness of situation or urgency of correction? (Can I run it as is with no further damage?)

 

[achris]

You may have an out of adjustment lower shift cable. Check it, and the 'slop' in the shift system. Use my video -> Shift cable adjustment

 

[atwall2011]

Awesome thank you, I had read the manual on that process, but a picture/video is with a thousand words. You don't think anything may be miss aligned or not meshing correctly in the outdrive do you? Think shift cables is the most likely culprit?

 

[achris]

Yep. But once you do the adjustment and confirm it's right, you'll know more.

 

[alldodge]

Not that this is your issue but just info, My bravo drive will sometimes jump into gear when I increase the throttle. Think there is some friction between the two plates causing the shift cable to move slightly when I move it forward. I know what I should do is pull the control apart and lube it up again, just haven't done it. Worst part about the bravo drive is there is no clicking, it just does it real quick.

 

[atwall2011]

10-4 thanks for the advice will find a shade tree and the elbow grease and report back