Alpha 1 won't go into reverse

Adrifting1

Recruit
Joined
May 7, 2004
Messages
2
Alpha 1 won't go into reverse

I have been working on a 1990 alpa 1 unit, I have trouble getting it in reverse. I have tried to adjust the shift cable and still cant make it work I have only tried this on land as I have just bought this boat and the out drive was off when purchased. I was told that it was to change the water pump. Anyway I can put a little more pressure on the shift shaft by hand and make it grab reverse but it seems to slip if I let it go and just use the shifter. I can make it engage by the cable also it I hold pressure againt it while disconected from the mounting bracket. all the cables seem to move freely. I have put the lower unit on three different times thinking maybe I am not aligning the shaft corectly but it still is not working. Any ideas? the clymer book is not helping. Could this be the shift shaft off to one side more than the other? or sliding clutch problem? Cable? any pointers would be much help. Thanks.
 

Mod2

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 19, 2003
Messages
713
Re: Alpha 1 won't go into reverse

Re: Alpha 1 won't go into reverse

Adrifting1...moving to I/O Rpair forum.
 

kcole683

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 10, 2004
Messages
159
Re: Alpha 1 won't go into reverse

Re: Alpha 1 won't go into reverse

Try this Link: shift cable adjust-1 <br /><br />Sometimes elongating the adjustment slot for the adjustable stud will get you adjusted. I had to make the slot longer on mine this year to get good shifting.
 

FreeBeeTony

Captain
Joined
May 15, 2002
Messages
3,995
Re: Alpha 1 won't go into reverse

Re: Alpha 1 won't go into reverse

Here is another procedure , but I agree with sparkchaser......the trick is in the adjustment slot for reverse.
 

Rickles

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 24, 2004
Messages
101
Re: Alpha 1 won't go into reverse

Re: Alpha 1 won't go into reverse

Change your shift cable.Common problem and it's not that hard to do or expensive.
 

qystan

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 26, 2004
Messages
291
Re: Alpha 1 won't go into reverse

Re: Alpha 1 won't go into reverse

The instructions provided by Merc does work. <br /><br />Remember to position the stud on the shifter arm to the bottom of the slot before you begin. <br /><br />Adjust for the Fwd position as described. When mounting the upper cable (Throttle box cable) remember to take up the slack in the cable. Keeping in mind that the upper cable pulls for the fwd position, you should pull the cable end to take up the slack when matching the cable to the shifter assembly poition. The books states to move the throttle box cable eye and the barrel end away by 4 turns, I found it better if this wasn't done. Perhaps its got to do with the allowance for the cable free play.<br /><br />Run the engine and shift it into reverse. If it does not engage, loosen the stud on the shifter arm and push the stud upwards until it engages in reverse. Give it a bit of tension, but no so much as to activate the kill switch, tighten the stud and you're done.
 
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