Reverse Stall

[Dtrom]

1987 Sea Ray 230 CC w/ Mercruiser 260 Alpha One keeps stalling AFTER going into reverse and only AFTER I increase throttle ever so slightly. Makes docking very difficult. This all started several weeks ago when I splashed it after sitting for 6 months. At that time it stalled going into forward. Had mobile marine mechanic swing by and of course; it worked fine tied up to the dock. Thinking it’s time for a lower shift cable job but not convinced it is related to this stalling problem. Thoughts?

 

[dubs283]

Thinking it’s time for a lower shift cable job but not convinced it is related to this stalling problem.

this

your description is exactly what happens when the lower shift cable wears out and engages the shift interrupt going into gear

 

[achris]

Sounds like the lower shift cable anchor stud has been over adjusted. There's always a small continuation of movement (of the shift cable) just as the throttle starts to open. If someone has adjusted the stud for maximum engagement at closed throttle, as you open the throttle, the shift cable will move enough to trip the switch. Back the stud down a tad, that'll fix it.

Chris......

 

[Dtrom]

Chris, by “shift cable anchor stud” do you mean the brass barrel that’s threaded on the shift cable? If so, that was adjusted by me (go figure) when I was adrift after launching from trailer and discovered I had this problem and quickly Googled it as I was attempting not to collide with docked boats. I understand from reading other threads the length of the barrel nut is supposed to be 5&7/8 from the point where the cable is connected to the middle of the barrel but. Correct?

 

[dubs283]

Chris, by “shift cable anchor stud” do you mean the brass barrel that’s threaded on the shift cable?

no, he's referring to the adjustable stud the plastic end the shift cable attaches to on the shift plate, it is supposed to be at the bottom of the slot. adjusting this stud "up" only buys you time if the drive will not shift into reverse. it has virtually nothing to do with your issue

I understand from reading other threads the length of the barrel nut is supposed to be 5&7/8 from the point where the cable is connected to the middle of the barrel but. Correct?

the correct adjustment between center of the plastic end hole and center of the brass trunion is 6" with the drive fully engaged in FWD gear. back off four turns if equipped with shift assist, in your case given the vintage you mention i'm guessing its not equipped with shift assist

 

[achris]

.... I understand from reading other threads the length of the barrel nut is supposed to be 5&7/8 from the point where the cable is connected to the middle of the barrel but. Correct?

Nope. 6" for Alpha One drives... Have you watched my video on shift cable adjustment?

 

[Dtrom]

Nope. 6" for Alpha One drives... Have you watched my video on shift cable adjustment?

I have not. Can you attach link so I can?

 

[Bondo]

I have not. Can you attach link so I can?

Ayuh,.... There's a link in his signature, 'n in mine,....