Shift Problems

[DONTGAF]

Hi,

I have an 86, Alpha one, 260 in my boat and my problem is shifting in and out of gear, it's very stiff. In reading some of the posts the first thing I did was to check the shift interupter switch. I checked the switch simply by actuating the switch with the boat running and guess what, it worked. But, I can push the switch in with my finger farther then it gets pushed in normally therefore not working. Now I understand there are 2 switch setups and of course we have the older one. Is it ok just to bend the arm slightly so that it depresses the switch or is there something else I can do to fix the problem other then switching over to the new style? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Ron

 

[Don S]

Re: Shift Problems

The switches have nothing to do with going into gear, and if it's not killing the engine coming out of gear, then your problem is either the cable from the shifter to the engine, or the control itself. Cable would be my guess.
Just disconnect the cable from the engine, have some one hold the end to restrict the movement and move the shifter. If it's still stiff to move, have your helper let go. If it's easier, it's probably the cable. They do go bad.

 

[DONTGAF]

Re: Shift Problems

What I was trying to say is that when I activate the switch with my finger it DOES kill the engine. But when in normal use the switch doesn't seem to get depressed enough.

 

[Don S]

Re: Shift Problems

It's not supposed to get depressed, except when shifting OUT OF GEAR.

Might want to read this on how the shift interrupt system works.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?p=1930449#post1930449

 

[Bondo]

Re: Shift Problems

Ayuh,... You're still lookin' at it the wrong way...

Please Explain the Problem, in detail....

 

[DONTGAF]

Re: Shift Problems

It is extremely hard to take the drive out of gear (Fwd to neutral or Rvs to neutral) Sometimes the remote shifter will be in neutral but the drive will still be in gear. Everything I have read seems like the first thing to check is the shift switch. When I actuate the switch with my finger it kills the engine immediately. But it doesn't seem to be working under normal conditions.

 

[Don S]

Re: Shift Problems

Everything I have read seems like the first thing to check is the shift switch.

Ok, you have checked the switch and the switch is OK, time to move to the next step in the troubleshooting process.
You are using the OEM service manual as reference aren't you? Don't just go by a bunch of old posts that may or may not have correct info in them.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Shift Problems

the lower shift cable needs replacing, that will fix your shifting.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Shift Problems

my problem is shifting in and out of gear, it's very stiff.

you say "in and out of gear" ... but do you really mean both? Or is it simply hard to get OUT of gear - not in.

I would suggest watching, or have someone else watch, the shift interrupt while on the water and trying to come out of gear. Is the switch mechanism moving?

From your description, is sounds like you are saying it is "working" - in the sense that the switch is being engaged physically, but the plunger is not being depressed enough to make the electrical contact. If that is the case... then maybe you can adjust / tweak the arm somewhat. But at least make sure that the mechanism is moving correctly to engage the switch.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Shift Problems

the lower shift cable needs replacing, that will fix your shifting.

Jason, if it is only the cable, then the engine should be dying when trying to come out of gear, correct? From his description, the engine isn't dying at all when coming out of gear... which would indicate a problem of some sort with the shift interrupt switch. He may also have a bad cable, but simply replacing the cable would not fix the problem it sounds like he is having. This is, IF I am understanding his problem correctly.

 

[DONTGAF]

Re: Shift Problems

Fishermark - You are absolutely correct. My problem is comming out of gear. I just recently had the cable replaced along with a complete new drive.

 

[Don S]

Re: Shift Problems

I just recently had the cable replaced along with a complete new drive.

Why don't you just take it back to them and tell they it's not right?


Does it shift ok out of the water and on muffs?

 

[DONTGAF]

Re: Shift Problems

When we had the drive replaced 2 months ago, yes it shifted fine out of the water.

 

[Don S]

Re: Shift Problems

Have you adjusted the linkage PER THE MANUAL ?

Here's the manual http://www.4shared.com/file/115650149/5fc7e090/Service_Manual_06.html

Look at section 2A starting on page 18

 

[DONTGAF]

Re: Shift Problems

Thanks Don. We did but we will try again this weekend and I will keep you informed.

Ron

 

[Don S]

Re: Shift Problems

Found it, I knew there should have been more, just didn't remember where.
Go to page 1C-44 of the OEM manual. It shows how to check the shift interrupt switch timing. Also read the pages before and after.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Shift Problems

I stand corrected then. The problem you described is 99% of the time a lower shift cable.
I see a lot of boats in which the cable goes bad and the owners disconnect the interrupt system thinking there is something wrong with it because the boat keeps stalling.
Was it shifting perfect after the cable job?? Because it should have been. All you can do is isolate the shifter from the drive and see what's hanging up.

Getting any water in the boat or up through the cable itself?

 

[Don S]

Re: Shift Problems

Jason
New cable, New drive, switch works, won't come out of gear when running in water, on muffs OK.
If the shift cable was stiff the switch would activate and kill the engine before coming out of gear, not be hard to get out of gear.
You're looking at it backwards.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Shift Problems

You're looking at it backwards

Or reading it backwards with dreary eyes

Still at this point all you can do is disconnect the boat side shift cable at the linkage plate on the motor and start working the cables/shifter and see what's binding.

The switch only activates in the water, not on muffs. You shouldn't be able to have the shifter in neutral but have the boat in gear. Double check the adjustment as Don says, should be 6 inches center to center.

Couple of other notes...
Is the boat in the water or on a trailer right now?
When warmed up, what is your in gear idle rpms?

 

[scutly]

Re: Shift Problems

What I was trying to say is that when I activate the switch with my finger it DOES kill the engine. But when in normal use the switch doesn't seem to get depressed enough.

i had this problem. hard shifting OUT OF GEAR AND IN TO NEUTRAL
the switch working with your finger does not mean its working when you shift if its bent wrong. and you HAVE to test this in the water under load. the tab on my switch broke off and i had to replace it with the newer designed switch AND mounting plate. not cheap from mercruiser.