Merc shifting

[Ranchhand]

I am having a problem with my alpha 1 hesitating before coming out of gear. Makes for big trouble when docking. Has anyone heard of this before. I search the forums but found nothing.

 

[bamadave]

Re: Merc shifting

Welcome to iboats. The problem sounds like the lower shift cable is due for replacement. It also could be the shift interupt switch. But if the shift cable hasn't been replaced before or it;s been a while, I'd bet that's the problem. The drive will have to come off to do the replacement, so I'd go ahead and do ALL the service work to the drive while it's off. Replace both bellows, check gimble bearing, u-joints, etc. Do yourself a favor and buy a factory service manual (not an aftermarket version) for reference. It will be the most valuble tool you purchase for your boat and it's longevity.

 

[Ranchhand]

Re: Merc shifting

Thanks for the info, with that in mind I am thinking its the interurpt switch. I took the boat to a guy I know when I was having problems with said switch. He clipped the wires. Not sure I'll be seeing him again.
So if I hook that switch back up is there some adjustment I can make so the boat wont die.
Thanks again

 

[b00tstrap]

Re: Merc shifting

[quote ]
So if I hook that switch back up is there some adjustment I can make so the boat wont die.
Thanks again[/quote]

Not likely.. I found this very helpful..

read the "theory of operations" and plan on replacing your lower shift cable..

[url]http://www.outdriveshop.com/replace_alpha_shiftcable.html [/url]

 

[bamadave]

Re: Merc shifting

I doubt it there is any adjustment to be made The lower shift cable (which controls the shift interupt switch) is solid and if stretched, it has to be replaced.

 

[stevieray]

Re: Merc shifting

Just for reference - the list of repairs that Bama gave can cost about $1500 at a reputable marina around here in the Upper Chesapeake region. If you know your way around a wrench, you can save quite a bit of dough - tools & parts are relatively inexpensive. AND you've got the wisdom of a lot of great guys on here if you should get stuck.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Merc shifting

Thanks for the info, with that in mind I am thinking its the interurpt switch. I took the boat to a guy I know when I was having problems with said switch. He clipped the wires. Not sure I'll be seeing him again.
So if I hook that switch back up is there some adjustment I can make so the boat wont die.
Thanks again

Note to Ranchhand: Never ever take you boat back to that guy!! BTW welcome to iboats

Check out this thd.

www.iboats.com/bbboard/bbBoard.cgi?a=viewthread;fid=24;gtid=1121904
It will help you uderstand how the system works, and why you need it.