Shift problem Alpha 1

jamesr1

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Feb 9, 2005
Messages
99
I replaced the impeller this morning and after re-installing the lower housing. Was able to slide the cable from the motor in and out by hand. ( No binding ) Shifts fine into forward, but wont engage reverse. While out of gear theres at the back of the boat I can hear a knocking sound from the gear housing. In forward gear this sound goes away. I followed instruction on the gear linkage on the lower housing being turned clockwise, and the control in forward gear. Should I start over or is this something other than the linkage?
 

gspig

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 7, 2004
Messages
409
Re: Shift problem Alpha 1

You need to first adjust the shift linkage. Get a manual, you will first adjust for forward shift, then adjust for reverse shift. If that doesn't fix it, then you will need to replace cables. There is the main cable from the driver control and a short one from the shift plate on the transom to the outer gearbox.
 

Bondo

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Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,082
Re: Shift problem Alpha 1

While out of gear theres at the back of the boat I can hear a knocking sound from the gear housing. In forward gear this sound goes away.
That's the clutch teeth clicking together........<br /><br />It goes away in forward, because they lock up......<br />It Sounds like you're adjusted Too far toward Forward.......Couple of turns towards reverse might do it......<br /><br />I'd say you need to go back to Square 1,+ walk thru the Adjustment sequence.....Again...... ;)
 

jamesr1

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Feb 9, 2005
Messages
99
Re: Shift problem Alpha 1

After adjusting, and re-adjusting the linkage from the control, it is now working fine. Sometimes you just have to hold your mouth right. Thanks guys!
 

jamesr1

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Feb 9, 2005
Messages
99
Re: Shift problem Alpha 1

One more question. My outdrive wont take the oil. I have removed the vent and drain plugs, but can not get oil to come out of the vent hole. I get a quart in it, and maybe 4oz of the second quart it wont take anymore.
 

Bondo

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Apr 17, 2002
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71,082
Re: Shift problem Alpha 1

Alpha 1s only hold about that much.........<br /><br />What do you Mean,.. "it wont take anymore" ??
 

waterone1@aol.com

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Oct 10, 2004
Messages
1,235
Re: Shift problem Alpha 1

If you are saying that it won't take anymore before it starts running out of the top.....thats fine....it's full. If you are experiencing resistance, as in you cannot pump any more in, and it still isn't running out of the top....then you have a blockage. Most likely, where the two halves meet.
 

jamesr1

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Feb 9, 2005
Messages
99
Re: Shift problem Alpha 1

I am experiencing resistance, and cant get the oil to come out of the top vent hole. How do I clear a blockage? Can I push air through the vent hole to push it out the bottom, or do I need to seperate the lower end?
 

DHPMARINE

Captain
Joined
Dec 16, 2003
Messages
3,688
Re: Shift problem Alpha 1

when pumping oil into the bottom of the gearcase,place a finger over the top hole and see if 'pressure' is building up.If it is,you are probably ok.If you are using a hand pump,resistance is felt as the volume of oil rises.<br /><br />DHP
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Shift problem Alpha 1

My guess is the quad ring oil seal between the upper and lower halves may have gotten pushed out of place and is blocking the small hole between the upper and lower halves of the drive when you replaced the impeller. Better check it, if it's blocked, it will cost you a drive.<br /><br />
A1-quad%20ring.png
 

jamesr1

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Feb 9, 2005
Messages
99
Re: Shift problem Alpha 1

I will seperate and check the seal. While I have it apart pushing air through the vent will verify no blockage in the top and same for the lower from the drain up to the seal?
 
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