engine dies when put in reverse

[stevejeri]

I had a gimble bearing and bellows put in a 1983 140 w/ alpha 1 drive on it. I removed and installed the drive but had a shop put in the bearing and bellows. I made sure the shifter was in forward and everything lined up on the drive when installed. Now, when I put it in reverse, the thing on top the engine moves over and acivates the kill switch on top the engine. (at least I believe it is a kill switch) What would cause this? When I put it in reverse without the engine running, it isn't going into reverse as the prop still spins freely. I checked to make sure the roller of the shift shaft lever is between the 2 arms of the shift slide. Should the shift cable need adjusting from removing and replacing the drive? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: engine dies when put in reverse

No, but it shows all of the symptoms of a bad lower shift cable....
Is it possible that it was damaged?....​

 

[stevejeri]

Re: engine dies when put in reverse

No, but it shows all of the symptoms of a bad lower shift cable....
Is it possible that it was damaged?....​

yes, that is possible. The first time I put it on, I didn't notice the shift lever on the outdrive was turned a little sideways and didn't line up with the one still on the boat. I didn't force it all the way on, but it may have damaged it. I noticed when I had it off last time that I could slide the shift slide back and forth a little. I figured the cable was sliding back and forth, but it may have been just the end.
I will try a new lower shift cable. Thanks for your info!!

 

[Fishermark]

Re: engine dies when put in reverse

In addition to the shift cable being the culprit (most likely candidate), if your shift shaft is bent - even slightly, then it will bind when everything is back together and cause the same symptoms as a bad shift cable. Just something to check.