Merc prealpha to alpha shifting problem

[Vex]

Ok so I needed a new out drive I replaced my mid 70's vintage Merc out drive with a new unit from SEI a 106.

Now the problem I seem to be having is the shift lever seems to be opposite of what it needs to be. On the old unit forward was at 12:00 and reverse was at 11:00. The new one seems to have forward at 12:00 and reverse at 2:00.

Now to my mind to correct this issue I would have to drill a hole in the gimble shift lever to get it in the 12:00 position when the shift cable is all the way forward (toward the bow) and reverse the way my controls are set up.

Am I completely missing something? Did I screw up somewhere along the way? Do I have to buy or drill a new gimble shift lever and reverse my controls to make this work?

My boat has twin engines but they are both right hand rotation it had

 

[cr2k]

Re: Merc prealpha to alpha shifting problem

Seems they have sold you a reverse rotation drive.

 

[havasuboatman]

Re: Merc prealpha to alpha shifting problem

Ok so I needed a new out drive I replaced my mid 70's vintage Merc out drive with a new unit from SEI a 106.

Now the problem I seem to be having is the shift lever seems to be opposite of what it needs to be. On the old unit forward was at 12:00 and reverse was at 11:00. The new one seems to have forward at 12:00 and reverse at 2:00.

Now to my mind to correct this issue I would have to drill a hole in the gimble shift lever to get it in the 12:00 position when the shift cable is all the way forward (toward the bow) and reverse the way my controls are set up.

Am I completely missing something? Did I screw up somewhere along the way? Do I have to buy or drill a new gimble shift lever and reverse my controls to make this work?

My boat has twin engines but they are both right hand rotation it had

Both of your engines are right hand drive, yes, but were both of your drives? Are both of your props the same? Did you by chance replace your L/H drive with a R/H drive? or vice/versa?
With Alpha and earlier type drives you cannot just reverse the shift cables at the controller to make the drive switch from a L/H to a R/H drive like you can with a Bravo drive. If you do, you will destroy that drive. Not to mention that you wont get the same RPM range.
If your drive is shifting backwards, return it for the correct rotation drive.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Merc prealpha to alpha shifting problem

both shift systems work the same way regardless of rotation
1200 F
1100 N
1000 R
Did you get a counter rotaion drive or standard
Did you assemble them correctly
You can`t tell by looking

 

[Vex]

Re: Merc prealpha to alpha shifting problem

Well I talked to tech support he says I put the shifter on wrong.... I am going to have to pull it all apart and change the shifter...but if I do so I am sure it will be a counter rotation...looks like I got a $300 upgrade for free! Sweet I will let you know how I make out. Damn I am going to need a new prop

 

[Vex]

Re: Merc prealpha to alpha shifting problem

Well took apart and reassembled as instructed... No reverse now and when shifted into forward cutout engages and engine quits...

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Merc prealpha to alpha shifting problem

Dear "Vexed" ....
Turn the shift shaft CW while turning the prop ccw to engage in FWD....
At this point the intermediate shift shaft, (attached to the upper) has to face directly forward, before mating the upper & lower cases....

 

[Vex]

Re: Merc prealpha to alpha shifting problem

Ok guys I am convinced everything is as it should be. With the linkages being where they are supposed to be.

My theory...the shift cable needs to be adjusted. I am thinking that it travels to far forward thus cutting out the engine in forward and not far enough backward so reverse fails to engage? This sound possible? Before I start messing with where the cable is I would love to hear a second opinion...

Thanks

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Merc prealpha to alpha shifting problem

From inside the boat ,disconnect the cable and push the plasic tube in as far as it will go, turning the prop CCW. it should lock.
Yes: put control box in full fwd, and adjust barrel to go in the slot.
No: you have the splined shift shaft incorrect.drop the lower and redo it.

 

[Vex]

Re: Merc prealpha to alpha shifting problem

Sure enough it was the cable. It is ready for a water test now! Woot. Thanks everyone.

And bt doctor tyvm that was great advice on adjusting the cable worked perfect!