1988 Alpha 1 shift problem

[austin123]

Just launched my boat for the first time today after mostly completed refurbish after purchase and lots of replacement parts. Boat runs GREAT but clunks when going into forward or reverse and the shift seems very tight but only when in the water and running. I installed a new lower shift cable yesterday and everything went well. It is free in neutral and well locked in Fwd & Rev. I noticed when outside the house, pre launch, that the kill switch is not activating at all when shifting? Then I did a search on this forum and somebody said that it is not supposed to if everything is ok?? My idle speed is @ 1000rpm, is this too high?? Really want to get rid of the clunk as it can't be good on the drive unit. Suggestions??<br />Thanks

 

[fendersfender]

Re: 1988 Alpha 1 shift problem

shift interrupt will not work when not in water...there is no pressure on prop. as for idle speed 1000 rpm sounds high and is hard on your drive. i dont know what drive or motor you have, but usually 600-700 would be more appropriate.

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: 1988 Alpha 1 shift problem

 

[austin123]

Re: 1988 Alpha 1 shift problem

The motor is a 3.0 liter 4 cylinder. The drive is an Alpha 1, that's about as much as I know about it. This is my first boat so quite new to everything. I will definitely need to drop the idle as it is certainly not that low. Could not see the shift interrupt in the water as the engine cover was on and I had the kids in the boat at the time but will check next time I am out.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 1988 Alpha 1 shift problem

idle speed needs to be less than 750. shift quick, dont let it grind while shifting, the clunk is normal and will lessen some when the idle speed is correct. that unit uses a mechanical clutch, think of it as a slam shifter. its either a clunk or a grind. grind is bad and indicates improper shifting. <br />the interupter only works when moving from an in gear position to netural with a load on the propeller shaft. wont work out of the water. if it works out of the water it indicates a mechanical bind.