Mercruiser Alpha One - Another Shifting Issue

[rmurray]

I know there are a ton of posts on shifting problems, but I can't find one exactly the same as this issue:

I have a '87 Mercruiser 260HP with an Alpha One. I recently have had issues with the boat stalling when shifting into neutral. I understand that I need a new lower shift cable and I plan to replace it any day now. This weekend, I experienced another issue that I have not witnessed before. While in forward, I was unable to shift back into neutral at all. It felt like something was holding the shifter from reaching neutral. It almost felt like I was pulling a rubber band. After working it a little, I managed to move the shifter all the way back into the reverse position, and the boat accelerated forward. After turning of the motor, I was able to shift freely again and return it to neutral. I just want to make sure that this issue stems from the lower shift cable and not something else. I am hoping that replacing the shift cable and re-adjusting the cables will eliminate this issue. Could this be another problem that I need to address?

I had my drive rebuilt last year. I wish I could have taken care of this then. Thanks for your help!

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha One - Another Shifting Issue

Replace the lower cable.....
Check the condition of your u joint bellows at this time.....
They generally have the same service life as the cable & it would be wise to replace it at this time because you will have the cable out anyway....

 

[wil7483]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha One - Another Shifting Issue

Sounds Like The Lower Shift Cable Is Binding And That Is Causing The Stiffness.

 

[dry dock]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha One - Another Shifting Issue

is your idle down, mine would be very stiff not going into netural and shift hard going into gear........... backed off the idle screw solved problem..... replacing lower shift cable i would do the bellows at the same time .........replace impellar if its been a while.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha One - Another Shifting Issue

In addition to a bad shift cable, it sounds like your shift interrupt switch is no longer working. Now, instead of stalling, the outdrive will not come out of gear.

The shift interrupt is supposed to make the engine "stumble" - which is necessary for the outdrive to come out of gear. Too much "stumble" and the engine dies (symptom of bad lower shift cable) - no "stumble" at all sounds like a bad switch, or the wiring to the switch.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha One - Another Shifting Issue

In addition to a bad shift cable, it sounds like your shift interrupt switch is no longer working. Now, instead of stalling, the outdrive will not come out of gear.

The shift interrupt is supposed to make the engine "stumble" - which is necessary for the outdrive to come out of gear. Too much "stumble" and the engine dies (symptom of bad lower shift cable) - no "stumble" at all sounds like a bad switch, or the wiring to the switch.

A simple test for the switch is to run the engine & depress it slightly....
If the engine dies the switch is good.....

 

[rmurray]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha One - Another Shifting Issue

Looks like I am going to get my hands dirty...

I will definitely be replacing the lower cable and checking the interrupt switch. The idle seems normal. I will run the "test" to see if the engine dies. If it's not too much extra, I'll probably just replace the switch also. Thanks for all the input.

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha One - Another Shifting Issue

You may also have a bad cable from the control to the engine. If it's binding, it could prevent you from coming out of gear, and it has no effect on the shift interrupt system at all.

 

[rmurray]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha One - Another Shifting Issue

You may also have a bad cable from the control to the engine. If it's binding, it could prevent you from coming out of gear, and it has no effect on the shift interrupt system at all.

Ok. I should probably just replace that too while I'm at it. Don, would you be able to provide me with the OEM part numbers for both shift cables? I believe the lower shift cable kit is what I want (#865436A03). I'm not sure about the remote control shift cable. I'll also be checking the cutout switch, which I think is #39670A10. Thanks again Don.

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha One - Another Shifting Issue

Yes, the 865436A03 is the kit you want for the lower shift cable. The other one is not so standard, depends on length, and type control. BUT! Don't just throw parts at it. That cable doesn't go bad that often. I just said check it, that it COULD cause your problem.

 

[wil7483]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha One - Another Shifting Issue

Yes, the 865436A03 is the kit you want for the lower shift cable. The other one is not so standard, depends on length, and type control. BUT! Don't just throw parts at it. That cable doesn't go bad that often. I just said check it, that it COULD cause your problem.

I like how Don put that. Test it before just throwing money into unnecessary parts. You can use that money on gas or beer.

 

[diehard]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha One - Another Shifting Issue

my boat is having same problem let me ask you a ? does your boat shift fine when boat is not running if so it is something to do with interrupter switch i replaced my switch and is still having trouble shifting back to neutral if i turn my ignition key off for a split second it shifts right out of gear ..any one have a clue what i may try to get my new interrupter switch to work properly ..

 

[cannonford57]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha One - Another Shifting Issue

welcome diehard,first things first...check the switch itself like they said, with the engine running at idle depress the switch to see if it kills the ign.since its a new switch and if it doesent work its possible its a wiring issue.

 

[diehard]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha One - Another Shifting Issue

thanks for the welcome happy to find a boat forume...i tested both the old and new switch and does not shut off the moter there is a black electronic box on my engine does that have any thing to do with my intterupter switch i have been looking at all my wires for a short of broken wire have not found anything yet...my out drive is alpha 1 gen 2 about a 2000 any info would be great

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha One - Another Shifting Issue

Ayuh,... Diehard,... Start your Own thread.... This 1 is over a year old...