Noisy Alpha drive gear change???

[crackerjack]

Got experience with Mercruiser Alpha drives?
Listen to the ratcheting sound when the drive engages in this video:

http://s28.photobucket.com/albums/c235/crackerjack07/?action=view&current=IMG_0444.mp4

Is that normal?

You probably noticed a 2-inch section of the exhaust hub is curled back on that aluminum prop.
Something bashed into the back of the prop. No visible damage to the outdrive. I just hope it didn't damage anything internally.
I don't know, maybe it's always made that noise.

Does that sound normal to you?

 

[dubs283]

Re: Noisy Alpha drive gear change???

youre not shifting quick enough and the noise is the lugs on the clutch ratcheting on the gears - also being out of the water with no load on the prop causes this to be more pronounced

shifting briskly into and out of gear is recommended - you shouold hear a clunk and not a grind

 

[crackerjack]

Re: Noisy Alpha drive gear change???

Thanks, dubs.

You're right, I was easing it into gear cause I was concerned I had a problem. Usually I'd shift faster.

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[tylermcclintock]

Re: Noisy Alpha drive gear change???

Agreed, Alphas are designed to be shifted briskly. Easing into it will grind it everytime