MC-1 New Shift Cable Grinding Going Into Forward

[LastCall1983]

I bought a project boat a few months back and did a good bit of work to it. One bit of this involved changing a stuck shift cable. The engine is a 351w with the MC-1 outdrive. I adjusted the cable out so it locked firmly into forward gear when the throttle was in detent and then locked firmly into reverse (as well as having a free spinning neutral).

When i started the engine the propeller was spinning fairly fast in reverse (clockwise). I had my fiance put the boat into forward detent and the gears grinded, then locked into forward and began spinning counterclockwise fast like it should. If i remember correctly it didn't grind going into reverse.. could this be because i have the cable adjusted a little too far in the reverse direction and it needs to be moved back toward forward gear some?

Also does the kill switch have to engage for a split second to allow it to go from neutral to forward/reverse, or does it only have to engage to allow it to come out of gear into neutral?

Thanks for the help.

 

[thumpar]

Re: MC-1 New Shift Cable Grinding Going Into Forward

It could be slightly out of adjustment or maybe she didn't shift firmly with one quick movement. The shift cutout is to get it out of gear. Without it the clutch dogs would stay locked.

 

[LastCall1983]

Re: MC-1 New Shift Cable Grinding Going Into Forward

So if you don't shift it firmly without stopping it could grind?

if i adjust it and that doesn't help what is the possible other causes?

 

[thumpar]

Re: MC-1 New Shift Cable Grinding Going Into Forward

So if you don't shift it firmly without stopping it could grind?

if i adjust it and that doesn't help what is the possible other causes?

Yes, if you shift slow it will grind. The alpha type drives have clutch dogs that need to fully catch.

 

[LastCall1983]

Re: MC-1 New Shift Cable Grinding Going Into Forward

One other question. I noticed this hose ontop of the shift assembly, along with another connector that doesn't have a hose in it.. where does this go and what is it's function? Is it some type of shift helper or something?

Thanks

 

[dn010]

Re: MC-1 New Shift Cable Grinding Going Into Forward

That hose looks like it's part of the reverse lock-out and should run to the trim pump.

Do you have any manuals for your engine / drive?

Also, I'd recommend replacing ALL your shift cables, in the picture it doesn't look like they're new.

The shift interrupt switch or "kill switch" as you called it, cuts the engine to allow shifting from forward or reverse gear back to neutral. If it's out of adjustment you'll either kill the engine all together because the switch is engaged, or you'll have a tough time getting out of gear because the engine won't cut out for that split second.

As for shifting, make sure when you turn the propeller by hand to check if it locks into gear, that you actually put some force into it because it might feel like it locks but sometimes when you give it some force it will slip indicating that it needs a little bit more adjustment. When you shift while running make sure you kind of slam it into gear, don't ease it.

 

[LastCall1983]

Re: MC-1 New Shift Cable Grinding Going Into Forward

As far as the reverse lockout if i run it without it would that be a bad thing?

No i do not have any manuals other than what i've found on here. It's hard to tell sometimes if it applies to the mc-1 because it says alpha drives. I did a search on here and came up with part of a manual that i think is what i need.

Thanks for the info on slamming it into gear i think she was easing into it. I'll check the prop to ensure it fully engages by hand as well..

The top cable is not new. I only changed the lower cable that goes to the outdrive. Sounds like i may need to look into changing the upper as well. The boat had been sitting up a while and the P.O. had issues with it shifting, which ended up being a frozen lower cable. He didn't know how to do the work himself and had other projects he was working on. I have a new carb to put on it. Does the throttle cable need to be new to make everything work like it should as well?

Sorry for all the questions I have tried to search but the way people describe some of their issues and outdrives and such it's hard to find what i needed on this particular issue.
Thanks

 

[dn010]

Re: MC-1 New Shift Cable Grinding Going Into Forward

As far as the reverse lockout if i run it without it would that be a bad thing?

No i do not have any manuals other than what i've found on here. It's hard to tell sometimes if it applies to the mc-1 because it says alpha drives. I did a search on here and came up with part of a manual that i think is what i need.

Thanks for the info on slamming it into gear i think she was easing into it. I'll check the prop to ensure it fully engages by hand as well..

The top cable is not new. I only changed the lower cable that goes to the outdrive. Sounds like i may need to look into changing the upper as well. The boat had been sitting up a while and the P.O. had issues with it shifting, which ended up being a frozen lower cable. He didn't know how to do the work himself and had other projects he was working on. I have a new carb to put on it. Does the throttle cable need to be new to make everything work like it should as well?

Sorry for all the questions I have tried to search but the way people describe some of their issues and outdrives and such it's hard to find what i needed on this particular issue.
Thanks

The forum is for questions so ask away!

While it may not be totally necessary to replace all other cables; due the the age of them I would suggest replacement - cables and their lubricants inside are old and may slow the cable core from moving as smooth as a new one would. One of my boats is from '78 and it was a world of difference replacing the other cables, not just the lower.

For running in your driveway you may not need a reverse lock-out hooked up in; but if you're on the water you need it or your drive will lift up when you're in reverse. Also unless someone capped them off, the fittings on the pump where those hoses go will shoot oil whenever you use the trim. I think that specific fitting is on the bottom of the pump...

 

[81 Checkmate]

Re: MC-1 New Shift Cable Grinding Going Into Forward

Look in the adult only section by DonS at the top of the forum. Find MC-1 drive info..... Yes you need the proper procedures for the MC-1 with the reverse lock. It is a little different than the alpha drive.

Just went thru this with my MC-1 over the weekend.

Good Luck!