88 Alpha one shifting issue

[rockeater]

Fellows boat enthusiasts,
I removed my out-drive, installed new impeller, o-rings, gaskets, and pressure tested it (Thanks Frisco for the pressure tester idea). All came out great. Checked alignment, reinstalled. But now it will shift into forward, but binds/won't shift when shifting into reverse. Question is, what is the proper way to ensure the shift yoke is aligned with the lower unit gears. I read other posts that state you should remove lower unit, turn lower unit spline gear clockwise until it stops and then reassemble. 1st I/O guys, so lots of learning. Help....

Rock

 

[Bondo]

Re: 88 Alpha one shifting issue

Fellows boat enthusiasts,
I removed my out-drive, installed new impeller, o-rings, gaskets, and pressure tested it (Thanks Frisco for the pressure tester idea). All came out great. Checked alignment, reinstalled. But now it will shift into forward, but binds/won't shift when shifting into reverse. Question is, what is the proper way to ensure the shift yoke is aligned with the lower unit gears. I read other posts that state you should remove lower unit, turn lower unit spline gear clockwise until it stops and then reassemble. 1st I/O guys, so lots of learning. Help....

Rock

Ayuh,.... Everything has to be held in forward durin' assembly,...

I use a bungee on the propshaft to lock the clutch,...

Yes, spline clockwise is forward,...

 

[achris]

Re: 88 Alpha one shifting issue

The way I do it....

While turning the lower shift shaft CW, turn the prop shaft CCW until both lock. Use something (like bungy) to hold the prop shaft CCW (helps if the prop is one). Lower the drive-shaft housing (upper box) onto the gear housing (lower box) and ensure the intermediate shift-shaft is facing straight forward... That gets the shift shafts lined up right. Don't forget the rubber and SS washers on top of the lower shift-shaft... While it's still being held in forward gear, present the drive to the bell-housing and slide it in (remote control MUST be in forward gear). It will slide most of the way in. If it stops about 2" out, then turn the prop shaft CCW (NEVER CW), and it should align the splines and continue to slide in. If it doesn't make the last 1" or so, then the 'O' rings are hanging up, and it needs to be 'convinced' to go in.... Size 11 boot... (NOT j/k)....

Chris.......

 

[Fun Times]

Re: 88 Alpha one shifting issue

Hopefully you haven't put oil in the drive yet?

Since the drive is now on the boat, it's easier to just re-drop the lower unit, turn the the lower shift shaft CW and turn the prop shaft CCW until both lock, Ensure the shifter is in full forward then reinstall the lower unit then put oil in once you know everything is working correctly.

Good luck.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: 88 Alpha one shifting issue

I have a feeling you are stuck in REVERSE not forward. Turn the prop clockwise, if it locks you are in reverse and you put the intermediate shift shaft (if it is an alpha 1 not a gen II) "off a spline". Separate the upper and lower and turn the lower shift shaft all the way clockwise and rotate the prop counterclockwise then follow Chris's instructions making sure the top of the intermediate ss points straight ahead.