Stalls in Reverse with Trim Up

[Jme152]

I just got a 2002 Bayliner Classic 1950 with a Mercruiser 3.0 motor and Alpha 1 outdrive. My issue is, when the trim is more than half up and I go to put the boat in reverse the motor stalls. If I put the trim down it will go in without an issue. Just wondering if this is a normal thing or is this something I can fix? Thanks!

 

[poconojoe]

That doesn't sound normal, but I'll follow while waiting for the experts reply.

I do know that you shouldn't run your engine with your drive in trailer position. Too much if an angle for the u-joints. Too much stress.

I know you said half way. So as long as your trim limit switch is set right there shouldn't be a problem.

The stalling part, I don't know. Let's see what the pros say.

 

[Grub54891]

First don't trim to high, but it sounds like your lower shift cable is getting stiff. It normally would not be an issue if the cable was good, but it's really hard on the u-joints,

 

[achris]

When you trim up, the bend radius of the shift cable between the gimbal housing and the bell-housing decreases (ie, the bend gets tighter). If the cable is marginal, that may be enough to make it too tight, and override the lever spring tension.

Check the cable doesn't have a kink in it anywhere. Check it's not already a bit stiff in the drive down position. Old style cable or new style? (screw-in part at the drive end threaded into the front or back of the bell housing?)
Pull the drive and check that the slide cavity in the drive is clean (like, spotless clean!) and greased. Check no crud built up in the bottom of the slide, or in the bottom of the cavity in the bell housing where the cable enters.

Chris....