going into reverse engine died,

[oldbouy]

I replaced the lower unit on a 1991 mercruiser alpha one. when I shift into reverse the engine died . shifting into forward works fine . I have checked the linkage , I needed to use pliers to squeeze the linkage back into place . I increased the engine RPMs from 500 to 650 at idle . any suggestions on this subject ? thank you

 

[ratdude747]

I replaced the lower unit on a 1991 mercruiser alpha one. when I shift into reverse the engine died . shifting into forward works fine . I have checked the linkage , I needed to use pliers to squeeze the linkage back into place . I increased the engine RPMs from 500 to 650 at idle . any suggestions on this subject ? thank you

Make sure the engine cutoff is working correctly. If it's like my 1976 MC-1, there is an ignition kill switch in the shift mechanism that momentarily kills the ignition when shifting forwards and backwards to allow the drive to lock/unlock without engine power fighting it. It sounds like the reverse side of the switch cam isn't fully moving in reverse, leaving the switch stuck on, killing the ignition. Why it's not moving you'd need to troubleshoot.

I've messed up shifts on mine and stalled the engine due to this cam... so yes, a stuck shift can kill the engine.

 

[bajaman123]

what was the issue that made you have to use pliers to squeeze the linkage back into place? It sounds to me like the shift interrupter is faulty or not adjusted correctly. When did it last work correctly, and what may have changed since then?

 

[Bt Doctur]

if it worked correctly before you replaced the lower then review your work,

 

[redneck joe]

if it worked correctly before you replaced the lower then review your work,

This