alpha-one Shift problem

[Stingrazor]

I have a 1995 Mercruiser 3.0/LX ,with a Alpha One Stern drive- When I shift the boat into forward from neutral I hear a grinding like the gears are slipping before the drive catches and starts the prop into a forward motion , It might make this sound for a couple of seconds or sometimes goes right into gear- it does the same but not as bad when shifting into reverse - From the advice of Bob_VT I checked the linkage for free play and all appears to be in order - any suggestions to remedy the problem - - Thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: alpha-one Shift problem

Change the Lower-shift Cable.....<br />And Shift it Briskly.....

 

[soonerfan]

Re: alpha-one Shift problem

That grinding noise is pretty common for Alpha One outdrives. Like bondo said, don't baby it when shifting into gear. I've heard that a firm shift won't cause as much wear on the dog gears. <br /><br />One other thing, you likely have a Quicksilver Commader 3000 series throttle control on your boat. If so, there was a recall on these back in '96 that may benefit you now. All models made in '94 & '95 were subject to the recall which Mercury will still honor. Had mine done late last year. Anyway, they'll replace the gear unit in the throttle. Talk to your mechanic and have them check the unit to see if the recall work was ever done. There should be a little sticker on the bottom of the throttle control unit if the work was done. <br /><br /> http://www.performancemarine.net/bulletin/servicecruiser/bullet/96/96index.html