Alpha Drive Prop Play Question

[tahoejag]

While in neutral I have a very slight ratcheting turning clockwise, hence was suggested to adjust cable and/or replace. Okay...got that part. This is where the experts come in....when I pull out (toward the rear/aft) and turn prop at the same time, the ratcheting disappears. I did/do notice that the prop/propshaft is spring loaded or has a slight tension on it? and the prop ratchets again when let go fwd, (back towards gearcase) this distance is very minimal though. It was suggested that I compare to other drives around the area (marina, dealer, etc) and do this same thing. The tension or spring load on prop/propshafts on other
drives are more pronounced (a bit more tension). As if the drive I have is a bit worn or not as much tension. Is this something I should be concerned about or just service the cable where it does not ratchet anymore? Thanks!

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha Drive Prop Play Question

If it ratchets at all when in neutral, then you need to adjust the shift cable.
Pulling the propshaft out doesn't tell you anything.
The way the cable adjustment is now, puts the shift dog inside the drive, too close to one of the gears. That is why it is ratching.
Adjust the cable per the manual and it should be in mid travel an not ratchet any more.

Forget video's that don't cover everything, and go through the complete adjustment process from the OEM manual (below).

View attachment A1G2 Shift Cable Adjust.pdf

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha Drive Prop Play Question

Here is a video of a Cobra drive, the shifting works exactly the same way as your drive.
The lower gears have dogs on them that the shift sleeve engages to turn the prop shaft. The gears turn any time the engine is running. The shift dog is splined to the prop shaft and just grabs the forward or reverse gear.

Lower unit training video, cut-away display OMC Cobra ShipShapeTn.Com - YouTube

 

[tahoejag]

Re: Alpha Drive Prop Play Question

DonS...thanks for the vid! Got a visual on how it works now vice looking at parts manuals that shows everything apart. Will get to that cable btwn now and spring.