no reverse? HELP!

stingray170 · Jun 17, 2011

Hi, im new to the forum. I recently got a 1986 stingray 190 svb ss boat. Its a 19 footer. It has a mercruiser 3.7L 170 HP 4 cyl engine. I got it running, and all. I connected the muffs to the outdrive and started it up. It starts fine.

Anyway, my question is, the prop spins, when it is in neutral, is that ok? and when i put the lever in reverse, it still spins as if in forward. Do i have to click a button or something, what am i missing? or did it loose reverse?

Thanks.

stonyloam · Jun 18, 2011

Re: no reverse? HELP!

It is not unusual for the prop to spin in neutral out of the water, but it should shift into reverse. Try this: With the engine off, shift into forward all the way (WOT). Try to spin the prop. Should spin freely clockwise (may click a little) and lock counterclockwise. Neutral, should spin freely both ways. Reverse should spin CCW and lock CW. Let us know how that works out.

stingray170 · Jun 19, 2011

Re: no reverse? HELP!

Ok, the prop spins CW no matter.where the lever is, in neutral, forward,.or reverse. I think there is something wrong with the linkages. also, I took it out yesterday for the first time, it was nice, but when I turn,i hear a grinding noise. Could it be there is little gear lube in the outdrive?
Thanks for all your help.

dubs283 · Jun 19, 2011

Re: no reverse? HELP!

so you have no reverse but when you took the boat out for the first time it was nice??

the grinding noise is probably your u-joints/gimbal bearing needing attention

Doernuth · Jun 19, 2011

Re: no reverse? HELP!

Sounds like this boat needs some TLC.

First get the manual for your engine drive combo and read the maintenance section.

Drain the drive lube and refill, check for water and metal in the drive lube, these are bad.

pull the drive and inspect the gimbal bearing and u joints and bellows. Replace as needed if not grease them with Marine grease. While the drive is off try to shift it into reverse and spin the prop does it work like it should.

You need to check the oil in the drive and engine before you splash the boat. Don't assume the fluids are full or that they are any good, especially with a boat you just got.

stingray170 · Jun 20, 2011

Re: no reverse? HELP!

Ok guys, a little update.
So i took it to a trusted mechanic, and first we cleaned the heck out of the carb, installed an inline fuel filter, now she runs better. Then, we checked out what's with the reverse. We figured out the linkage adjuster's threads are stripped, and not holding the reverse linkage properly. We'll attend to that next.

The noise is still present, I'll drain the old oil, check for metal shavings. put new oil, and see how that goes. I have the service manual for it, so i'm good to go. I just wanted to check with you guys first.

Thanks for all your help so far!

dubs283 · Jun 20, 2011

Re: no reverse? HELP!

We figured out the linkage adjuster's threads are stripped, and not holding the reverse linkage properly. We'll attend to that next

no, attend to that NOW, this is your shift issue

The noise is still present, I'll drain the old oil, check for metal shavings. put new oil, and see how that goes

why don't you pull the drive, replace the bad shift cable and inspect the u-joints/gimbal bearing/coupler/bellows/etc...??

you went to a "trusted" mechanic and they cleaned and adjusted the carb for a shifting and drive noise issue??

stingray170 · Jun 21, 2011

Re: no reverse? HELP!

Don't worry guys, I know it sounds like we don't know what we are doing, but we do, that sounds kinda funny....
Anyway, we had no time to fix the shift issue or take the drive apart, it was on a Sunday... We'll fix it. Ill post any changes.

Oh, also are there any precautions i should know about before taking the drive apart? Will the gears get messed up if i take it apart? I read a thread before, and they said something about making sure the gears don't get moved, disturbed, etc....

Thanks again!

JWebber · Jun 21, 2011

Re: no reverse? HELP!

What outdrive are we looking at?

stingray170 · Jun 21, 2011

Re: no reverse? HELP!

Alpha one. I Think its the generation 1, its from 1986, so its probably the first gen, right?

dubs283 · Jun 21, 2011

Re: no reverse? HELP!

stingray170 said:
Alpha one. I Think its the generation 1, its from 1986, so its probably the first gen, right?

no such thing as a generation one drive, its simply called an alpha one

there was no gen spec until the gen II came out, so to be clear its alpha one, or alpha one gen II

here is a link to download the manual for your drive/transom assy:

http://www.4shared.com/document/zz_5pj9o/Service_Manual_06.html

keep in mind as of right now there is no need for you to tear into the drive itself, you just need to remove it and replace the shift cable and perform some routine transom assy maintenance

stingray170 · Jun 21, 2011

Re: no reverse? HELP!

ok, thanks. Yea i watched some videos, and showed how to take the whole thing out, and work on the u-joint, bearing, etc...
Thanks again.

no reverse? HELP!

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