Shifting into gear - 470 Alpha 1

[saltydogjeff]

Details on motor and alpha one are in the signature, but here is my problem.

I finally got the boat in the water for the first time. I cruised up and down the river for about 25-30 minutes, then set anchor to get everything situated. After I took about a 20 minute break, I started the motor up to cruise back to port. The motor started up, I put it into gear, and started head back. All of the sudden, the motor stalled out on me.

So, I tried starting the motor again, and I could get the motor going, but could not put it into gear without stalling out. I believe when I originally started off the dock, I put the motor in gear and started it. This way I was already in gear when the motor started. I think I did this backing out and pulling forward, having to restart the motor for each gear.

Now, when my motor stalled out on me, I do not think I tried starting it in gear like I did. But, my question is, what is wrong when the motor is at the neutral point? Why will it not run going from the forward neutral to start, to the neutral point to switch into gear? This seems awkward that it won't allow transition into gear. Is it an air/fuel mixture problem or idling issue?

Any thoughts are helpful.

Thank you,
Jeff

BTW: I think the motor stalled while I was going because it was not getting fuel. I looked over the motor and removed the fuel filter and that seemed to allow pressure to get to the carburetor. I could then start the motor, but had problems getting into gear. At this time, I think I forgot that I probably started it in gear at the dock.

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Shifting into gear - 470 Alpha 1

You have a couple of things going on. The neutral safety switch isn't doing it's job. It should prevent starts in gear. Your issue with stalling when attempting to put it in gear is probably from the lower shift cable being worn out and sticky. That causes the shift cutout to work at the wrong times. When it's right the shift cutout momentarily disconnects spark when you take the drive out of gear. Once it's in neutral the spark resumes.
As far as the fuel filter, is it the spin on type that resembles an oil filter? Whatever it is, put on a new one. If the motor stalls or won't start again, try opening the fuel cap to see if there is suction present. In that case you could have a clogged tank vent.
And try to save the fuel in the filter. pour it in a glass container, maybe a food jar, and watch to see if water separates out. Gasoline will stay on top, water will go to the bottom.

 

[saltydogjeff]

Re: Shifting into gear - 470 Alpha 1

I know my neutral safety switch isn't working right, because I cut it out and shorted it to get the engine cranking. So, besides the neutral safety switch, I believe I found my problem to be in the idle. There was not enough air getting through the carburetor while in idle allow my motor to idle while in idle throttle and neutral gear. I readjusted my throttle control to allow for idling in neutral gear and idle throttle. I removed the lower shift cable from the plate connection inside the boat and looked for play in the cable. There was VERY little play in the cable. (I saw a youtube video that said 3/16" play is allowable). So, after inspecting the lower throttle cable, do you think it needs to be replaced? Is the only way to test it is put it into the water and put it in gear?