harsh sound when engaging in forward or reverse

[fatcity94]

When I place the shift lever in forward or reverse it makes an abrupt sound that when engageing in gear. I know some noise is normal, but mine sounds a little harsh. I recently had the outdrive off to replace the gimble bearing. I also replaced the prop with a four blade prop. I had the boat shop install the prop. The new prop uses a different hub I believe. My boat is a 1996 Maxum with Alpha Gen II. Engine is a 3.0 140 HP. Does anyone have any ideas? Please advise. <br /><br />Thanks<br />Kevin

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: harsh sound when engaging in forward or reverse

Are you babying it or putting it firmly into gear? Noise is normal with an Alpha, but extended grinding suggests that A: you are being too tentative or B: Your lower shift cable is on its way out or needs adjustment or C: your drive is about to die . Have you checked the gear lube lately?......JK

 

[fendersfender]

Re: harsh sound when engaging in forward or reverse

what is your rpm at idle...to high of an idle will cause more noise when shifting and is hard on outdrive

 

[navigator336]

Re: harsh sound when engaging in forward or reverse

An easy way to check the shift cable adjustment is with the ENGINE TURNED OFF. Push the throttle/shifter just to the forward detent position. Go to the prop and see if it is locked up in one direction. If it is possible to turn the prop in both directions, either the shift cable is out of adjustment or the dog clutch is worn. If it seems like it is almost locked up, go back to the throttle and push it slightly further forward. If the prop is now fully locked up, the cable is out of adjustment. What this means is that the throttle cable is engaging before the shift is complete which will wear the dog clutch like crazy. Do the same in reverse.