Alpha one question...

[ugbandtulsa]

Hi boaters!

85 formula 272ls, twin 350 mercs:

One drive is completely shot, so I'm going to get one of those complete SEI drives, and then purchase a new upper or lower for the other bad drive I have now.

My problem is this? Which section contains the "clutch" mechanism? Bad drive will go into reverse, and finds forward after a couple seconds. BUT you have to turn off the engine to get it to shift. IOW, it "sticks" in gear until you kill the motor.

Drive performs great other than this, no grinding, etc. Would you be able to positiviely conclude from this info if it's a bad upper, or lower unit? Guess I could just buy two new drives, but I'm kinda cheap! lol

Thanks!

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha one question...

Sounds like you have a couple of problems, you may need the lower shift cable to get it into gear, and to get it out of gear you need some work on the shift interrupt system. Your problem may not have anything to do with the drive being bad.
Obviously you don't have a manual, so here is a link to the free online Mercruiser manual.

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf

 

[ugbandtulsa]

Re: Alpha one question...

Oh darn, I was hoping it would be a bit more definitive than that, but thank you for the help. I guess I should just pull the drive and check it out, before I spend any money.

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha one question...

Hey, people that sell parts like you guys that just love to throw parts at something till it gets fixed. Then you complain about how much it costs to fix boats.
Find the problem first, then fix it. Don't fix it till you find the problem.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Alpha one question...

"IF", you get the drives without diagnosing the problem, be sure to get the lower shift cables and new shift interupter switchs also. That should cure what ales it. This way you won't feel like you wasted ANY money or time.

Now on a serious note, the link Don gave you should help you diagnose the problem. Good luck, and let us know if you have any other questions.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Alpha one question...

I hate when Don waxes all philosophical~
But if you are serious about maintenence, spend money on manuals, diagnostic equipment, & tools first....
Then beat the offender with it! .....JK