Alpha 1 Gen 1 Shift Shaft

[acurafrank]

I have an Alpha 1 Gen 1 outdrive that is currently off the boat. I was told that the shift shaft should be facing forward but it is currently facing to one side. I can move it manually to the forward position but it won't stay. Is there something wrong? Can it be mounted in that position? Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[84EdH]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 1 Shift Shaft

Turn the shift shaft forward, then turn the prop counter clock. It should stop. Use a bugee cord to keep the prop turned cc. This keeps shift face in forward direction. Make sure boat gear shift is pushed forward before re mounting drive

 

[acurafrank]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 1 Shift Shaft

Is it normal for it to be in the current position that it is in or should it always be facing forward?

 

[bspeth]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 1 Shift Shaft

From the back: full forward is 12 oclock.Reverse is about 9. Did you separate the upper and lower?

 

[ktbarrentine]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 1 Shift Shaft

Is it normal for it to be in the current position that it is in or should it always be facing forward?

Yes....normal. You can move the shift shaft as needed to check its operation... It typically will shift itself to neutral when you are messing with the drive off the boat. As said up above, need to "lock" it in FWD position by locking the prop CCW before reassembling the drive and mounting it on the boat, so it lines up with the shift shoe in the upper drive shaft (in the bell housing) with the shift lever in FWD.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 1 Shift Shaft

Is it normal for it to be in the current position that it is in or should it always be facing forward?

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,... It's quite normal, neutral is it's default without pressure on the prop shaft to hold it,...

 

[achris]

Re: Alpha 1 Gen 1 Shift Shaft

Is it normal for it to be in the current position that it is in or should it always be facing forward?

The shift system on a Mercruiser does not have any positional detents. The shift shaft will basically flop around anywhere it like. That's why you need to lock it in position for installation back on the boat

There are some excellent explanations of how the system works and videos on removal and installation in the 'stickies' at the top of the forum topic list....