Merc alpa 4.3 dies going to neutral

[jensen73]

I just bought my first boat and 89 larson. That dies going to neutral. From other post it sounds like the lower shift cable. This boat has sat the last two years and was fine before that. I had it out all day and it seems to be getting better. If you ease if from forward to neutral it will stay running, but not from reverse. is it shot or can something be done

 

[fuzzybob]

Re: Merc alpa 4.3 dies going to neutral

It could be the cable but you may want to go to the top of the forum and click on the "adults Only" thread and read item #4. There's also a ton of good info for a new owner there.
Welcome to iboats.... I'm sure others will chime in.

 

[jensen73]

Re: Merc alpa 4.3 dies going to neutral

A little more info about my boat. Its a 1989 Larson Laser 180 with a Merc 4.3L engine SN # OC534431 175 hp and alpha 1 outdrive SN # OC650468. Engine runs well other than this. Just cleaned the flame arrestor today, looked like it was dumped in oil and rolled over a dog.

 

[Don S]

Re: Merc alpa 4.3 dies going to neutral

Chances are, you have a bad lower shift cable. About the most common problem next to bad bellows in Alpha drives.
Just remove the drive, and disconnect the cable from the linkage inside the boat.
The cable should move almost effortlessly. If not, replace it with a new OEM cable. SOOOOOOOO much better that the aftermarket ones.

 

[jensen73]

Re: Merc alpa 4.3 dies going to neutral

will i do any damage to the drive and or motor going the rest of the season with a bad cable