MerCruiser Alpha One Shifting Trouble

1994mercruiser

Recruit
Joined
Nov 24, 2006
Messages
2
I have a 1994 MerCruiser Alpha One 3.0L. When I push the shifter into forward gear, sometimes the drive will pop in and out of gear for the first few seconds before locking into forward gear. Sometimes it will pop in and out of gear one to four times within the first few seconds of placing it in forward gear. I'm not pushing the throttle forward in an aggressive manner, but firmly enough to get it into gear.
When I push the shifter into reverse it is extremely smooth and works flawlessly. I'm only having the trouble in forward gear.
Not sure if it matters but the boat is only driven in fresh water and stored in a garage. I had the lower shift cable replaced about two years ago. Thanks.
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: MerCruiser Alpha One Shifting Trouble

Sound's like the shift cable is out of adjustment. Problem is, it only takes a few times popping out of gear to round the shift dogs. Then they need replaced.
Only thing I would suggest it to make sure the shifter is adjusted "By The Book". If that is ok and it still jumps out of gear, then it's time to open up the lower and check the shift dogs for wear.
Here is a link to a free, online OEM service manual for your drive. Just run your cursor over the cover page and the outline page to find the links to the different sections.

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/14/14cover.pdf
 

1994mercruiser

Recruit
Joined
Nov 24, 2006
Messages
2
Re: MerCruiser Alpha One Shifting Trouble

Thanks for the advice. I read the online manual and adjusted the cable accordingly. That corrected the problem I was having. I appreciate your help.
 

myoung84

Seaman
Joined
May 27, 2008
Messages
67
Re: MerCruiser Alpha One Shifting Trouble

Does anyone have a link to the above manual? I am having the same problem.
 

Limited-Time

Vice Admiral
Joined
Mar 30, 2005
Messages
5,820
Re: MerCruiser Alpha One Shifting Trouble

Does anyone have a link to the above manual? I am having the same problem.
The link is in Don's post. And for future reference your best off starting your own thread if you have a problem. Tacking on to an existing thread can become confusing at best.
 
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