Fishermark
Vice Admiral
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2003
- Messages
- 5,617
First, some background: I am working on my father's boat - an 86 Sportcraft with a 140 engine an Alpha One outdrive. I finally got it running,(new points and condensor, started right up 
), but while on the motor flush I tried putting it into forward and reverse. Forward went fine, reverse killed the engine. I noticed the shift interrupter switch is engaged continually when I put it into reverse.<br /><br />I removed the shifter cable from the harness and with someone turning the prop by hand was able to get it in both forward and reverse. Here's the strange thing: It would only go into reverse if I pulled VERY hard on the cable. The cable seemed to work smoothly, but when I pulled it to the end of its travel, the outdrive reverse would not engage. After coming to the end of the travel you have to pull with all your might to get it engaged into reverse. (It doesn't even seem to move any if at all -- with continued strong pressure, and someone spinning the prop clockwise the unit will finally engage).<br /><br />I made sure the adjustments were correct, but the same thing happens. The interrupter switch stays closed in reverse.<br /><br />My question is, does this sound like a cable or another problem? (I realize when I say that the cable pulls smoothly, that's a relative term, and I don't have enough experience to know if it is "smooth" enough, )
), but while on the motor flush I tried putting it into forward and reverse. Forward went fine, reverse killed the engine. I noticed the shift interrupter switch is engaged continually when I put it into reverse.<br /><br />I removed the shifter cable from the harness and with someone turning the prop by hand was able to get it in both forward and reverse. Here's the strange thing: It would only go into reverse if I pulled VERY hard on the cable. The cable seemed to work smoothly, but when I pulled it to the end of its travel, the outdrive reverse would not engage. After coming to the end of the travel you have to pull with all your might to get it engaged into reverse. (It doesn't even seem to move any if at all -- with continued strong pressure, and someone spinning the prop clockwise the unit will finally engage).<br /><br />I made sure the adjustments were correct, but the same thing happens. The interrupter switch stays closed in reverse.<br /><br />My question is, does this sound like a cable or another problem? (I realize when I say that the cable pulls smoothly, that's a relative term, and I don't have enough experience to know if it is "smooth" enough, )