Mercruiser 4.3 - clicking and no reverse.

[v1_0]

Hello,

Thanks for the help with the starter - replaced it, and got the engine to start (not right away, of course... ).

Now I have another problem: It seems to go into forward just fine, propeller spins - neutral is ok too, no propeller spin. However when I put it into reverse it just clicks at me.

What's the best sequence to debug this in? I have a Clymer's manual for the engine, and it tells how to take things apart but dosn't do much for troubleshooting. And I'd rather not disassemble the whole lower end to find that it was something simple like adjusting a cable or something.

Thanks,
-V

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Mercruiser 4.3 - clicking and no reverse.

What kind of drive & when was the lower shift cable last replaced.?...​

 

[v1_0]

Re: Mercruiser 4.3 - clicking and no reverse.

It's an Alpha I drive. I have no idea when the cable was replaced - just got the boat.

-V

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser 4.3 - clicking and no reverse.

Ayuh,........I'm just Guessing,...
But I think you probably need a New Lower Cable too,.....
But,.......
The Adjustments are covered in Here........

 

[v1_0]

Re: Mercruiser 4.3 - clicking and no reverse.

Thank you. I attempted the adjustments and ran into what may (or may not be) an issue: it looks like the adjusting stud and barrel cannot get close enough so that both adjustments are perfect.

I comprimised and split the difference - in forward or reverse the 'full' position pulls/pushes the cable past the point where the propeller engages. The cables can do a bit more in either direction (tested out of the bracket), so I don't think that I am jamming something closed.

Neutral seems fine - the propeller spins freely (by hand) in both directions (no clicking, etc).

Is it possible to damage something if the engagement point occurs sooner than expected?

It may be a case of not understanding what 'full forward/full reverse' means - I basically moved the throttle lever all the way it would go. Technically, being a boat this would be 'flank' (speed) position? There is a 'click' in the throttle lever when it is about 45 degrees forward or 45 degrees back, however the lever can go to about 90 forward and 90 back.

Thank you.

Ps: next question will be about spark plugs - I've checked in a number of places and there seems there's a variance in the type of plug and gap. Between conversions & recommendations (plate in the boat, Clymers manual, Champion web site, Online parts manuals) it looks like there are about 6 types of Champion plugs that can fit. Also the gaps vary from about 0.030 - 0.045...