Shift Linkage Problem With Alpha One

[Captain Nemo1]

Hello all,

I have a 1990 Mercruiser 5.0/Alpha One on a 21.5 Cuddy. When I shift into reverse the engine dies. I can't hit neutral quick enough to keep it running. I've read excellent replies to this type of problem (mainly faulty shift cable) but I'd like to add another bit of information about my problem in case it matters. Before this problem first occured, which was yesterday, I'd noticed that the unit was starting to stay in reverse after I would shift into neutral, so I was having to shift into forward and then back into neutral in order to get out of reverse. Does this sound like possibly just a cable adustment issue or is the cable most likely bad?

Thanks for getting back with me,

Dave

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Shift Linkage Problem With Alpha One

Sounds like a bad lower shift cable, or one that needs adjusting. Go through the adjustment procedure first and see if that helps. If it doesn't, then chances are good that you need to replace your lower shift cable. See the top of the page in the "Adults only" section and you can find a manual for your drive.