mercruiser type 1 (898) outdrive shift problem

[sjujnovich]

Can anyone tell me the length the shift cable to the type 1 mercruiser outdrive (898) should be able to travel when shifting from forward to reverse.<br /><br />Or can anyone tell me the angle of rotation the shift arm / shift shaft in the outdrive should make when sifting from forwar to reverse?<br /><br />I have a shift problem currently in which I am trying to diagnose.<br /><br />Testing in the water I can shift forward without problems but I am unable to engage reverse.<br />With maximum movement of my shift cable manually (detached from shift bracket assembley) i can not engage reverse. It makes that faint clicking sound a drive makes before engaging, as if I am unable to get enough movement to get the dog clutch to bite.<br /><br />My cable moves freely, I know these are a common problem with seizure/stiffness.<br /><br />Is there a way to know if the fault is the cable, shift arm, shift shaft assembley or internal to the gear box? Any advice appreciated. Thanks

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: mercruiser type 1 (898) outdrive shift problem

This may help...<br /><br /> http://www.mercstuff.com/noneutral.htm

 

[sjujnovich]

Re: mercruiser type 1 (898) outdrive shift problem

Thanks Ralph, mercstuff.com is a great site.<br /><br />The trouble with my drive is despite an apparently fully extended shift cable i can't get reverse. It doesn't appear to be a adjustment problem, unfortunately.<br /><br />With the lower gear case off the upper, I am able to get the dog clutch to engage forward and reverse easily and solidly.<br /><br />I read about problems with castle nuts in the shift spool assembly (internal to lower gear case) wearing out on some alpha one drives. This apparently makes a freely moving cable unajustable (insuficient travel). This was due to poorly heat treated castle nuts factory installed. Maybe I am having similar problems?<br /><br />Has anyone heard of this happening to pre alpha one drives? (I dont any of the lower gear case service history on my outdrive)

 

[Buttanic]

Re: mercruiser type 1 (898) outdrive shift problem

The shift shafts on some of the early drives were carbon steel instead of stainless. Could be you have one of these and the splines on each end are rusty causing some slop and you are not getting the range of travel you need. I had a similar problem and it was the carbon steel shift shaft.<br /><br />Buttanic

 

[sjujnovich]

Re: mercruiser type 1 (898) outdrive shift problem

Thanks buttanic,<br />Your logic seems fine, the shift shaft is stainless but none-the-less i will check the splines for slop.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: mercruiser type 1 (898) outdrive shift problem

I had the same problem with my Alpha one - it turned out to be old grease, etc back behind the slide in the housing, not allowing the slide to be pulled all the way forward, (which is necessary for reverse). After cleaning it all out and regreasing, it worked fine.<br /><br />I also noticed the roller on the upper shift lever was worn, so I replaced the shift lever as well. (Here is a link showing the part I'm talking about: Merc Parts

 

[sjujnovich]

Re: mercruiser type 1 (898) outdrive shift problem

Fishermark, what you describe may well be the problem. I did notice the last time the top box was of the bell housing that the roller on the upper shift arm was a bit old looking.( and maybe a little worn?) I will replace it and see if it helps, and check for debri blocking the shift cable slide. <br />Thankyou for your help.