Alpha One reverse question

[mbible]

Hi all, I have been diagnosing why my engine dies when shifting firmly in to reverse while in the water. I have learned a lot by reading post on here and I understand that I probably need to replace the the lower cable due to its interaction with the interupt switch. I stumbled on to something I wanted to ask you guys when I had the lower cable off the shift plate. When I push the cable IN (forward gear) it locks the prop up fine. But when I pull the cable outwards (reverse gear) the prop never really locks up like it does in forward gear. However, I do have reverse gear in the water if I apply light throttle and if I baby it into gear.

So, my question is: Can the lower cable being worn cause it to not fully engage in reverse? Or is there something else wrong internaly in the drive?

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Alpha One reverse question

What year is the drive? or serial number?

 

[mbible]

Re: Alpha One reverse question

What year is the drive? or serial number?

Sorry, 1986 in a Sea Ray. 4.3 litre.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Alpha One reverse question

Hi all, I have been diagnosing why my engine dies when shifting firmly in to reverse while in the water. I have learned a lot by reading post on here and I understand that I probably need to replace the the lower cable due to its interaction with the interupt switch. I stumbled on to something I wanted to ask you guys when I had the lower cable off the shift plate. When I push the cable IN (forward gear) it locks the prop up fine. But when I pull the cable outwards (reverse gear) the prop never really locks up like it does in forward gear. However, I do have reverse gear in the water if I apply light throttle and if I baby it into gear.

So, my question is: Can the lower cable being worn cause it to not fully engage in reverse? Or is there something else wrong internaly in the drive?

Ayuh,.... It's Worn, internally, 'n has too much slop, which shortens it's travel...

 

[mbible]

Re: Alpha One reverse question

Thanks Bond-o. By "It's" worn I'm hoping you mean the cable, not the drive...?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Alpha One reverse question

Thanks Bond-o. By "It's" worn I'm hoping you mean the cable, not the drive...?

Ayuh,.... The inner cable wears a slot in the outer cable housing,...

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Alpha One reverse question

I would think if the cable was simply worn or stretched you would still be able to pull it into reverse gear. It could also be a worn shift spool. Here's a link to a video where I did a test on mine and found it was worn out.

 

[achris]

Re: Alpha One reverse question

If the shift cable or shift spool were worn, then he wouldn't be getting a shift interrupt. What this sounds more like is crud and crap in the back of the shift cavity in the drive, not allowing the cable slide to travel all the way back. Usually see that as a result of the upper shift shaft bushing leaking and allowing water into the slide cavity. Which then dries out and leaves either salt or corrosion residue, or both.... Over time this residue builds up and stops the slide before the cable has reached end of travel, activating the interrupt switch...

Pull the drive and check for water in the shift able and upper shaft arm areas.

Chris....

 

[mbible]

Re: Alpha One reverse question

Thank you All. That helps very much. I greatly appreciate your help!

 

[mbible]

Re: Alpha One reverse question

If the shift cable or shift spool were worn, then he wouldn't be getting a shift interrupt. What this sounds more like is crud and crap in the back of the shift cavity in the drive, not allowing the cable slide to travel all the way back. Usually see that as a result of the upper shift shaft bushing leaking and allowing water into the slide cavity. Which then dries out and leaves either salt or corrosion residue, or both.... Over time this residue builds up and stops the slide before the cable has reached end of travel, activating the interrupt switch...

Pull the drive and check for water in the shift able and upper shaft arm areas.

Chris....

So, I pulled my drive for the first time today. I noticed once it split from the bell housing a bit of water came out on the starboard side from the shift cable area. Here are some pics of both pieces. Note in the bellhousing where the sift cable comes through was a white frothy bit. Would you think the water is coming in from the shift bellows?

thx

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Alpha One reverse question

Water is not coming in from the shift bellows, but probably from the shift bushing. There is an updated and improved bushing you can install. I did the same thing... pictured here:

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Alpha One reverse question

I also notice your u-joints and shaft look rusty. Was there water in the drive bellows area when you pulled the drive off?

 

[mbible]

Re: Alpha One reverse question

I also notice your u-joints and shaft look rusty. Was there water in the drive bellows area when you pulled the drive off?

Its interesting that you asked that because there was no standing water in the u-joint bellows, yet there is some rusty deposits in there and around the gimbal bearing as well (which does need replaced). What do you make of that?
It may be worth noting that this was my first season with this boat, so I have no knowledge of what was done in the past as far as servicing other that the previous owner said he had the drive rebuilt recently, lol.
Thanks for the tip, I will install the shift shat bushings you mentioned.