89 4.3 alpha 1 stalls when put in reverse

[Deadeye1967]

Title say it all I have a 89 Glastron Sierra 195 with a 4.3 alpha 1, shifts into forward fine 99 percent of the time but 100 percent of the time when attempting to shift into reverse the engine cuts out. It looks like there is a roller micro switch on the shifter asm on top. I'm a wrench so of course I had to push the switch when in neutral and yeppers, she cut out. Thing is, i cant see how the heck that switch would ever roll into the valley of the bracket to open the switch and thus allow the engine to run? Any Ideas whats going on here would be greatly apprieciated.

Thanks Deadeye

 

[cr2k]

Re: 89 4.3 alpha 1 stalls when put in reverse

Your lower shift cable is bad. At least that is what causes this problem most of the time.

 

[piorun]

Re: 89 4.3 alpha 1 stalls when put in reverse

Read this How the Shift Interrupt system works
Watch this video Mercruiser Alpha Shift cable adjustment by achris . It fixed my problem with stalling when shifting in reverse. If not you will need new lower shift cable to be repalced.

 

[Deadeye1967]

Re: 89 4.3 alpha 1 stalls when put in reverse

Your lower shift cable is bad. At least that is what causes this problem most of the time.

I'm replacing the leaking bellows and gimble brg, guess I should get the cable and replace it while I'm in if the adjustment above doesn't help. Do the aftermarket cables work as well as the OEM ? Any aftermarket I should beware of?

 

[Deadeye1967]

Re: 89 4.3 alpha 1 stalls when put in reverse

Read this How the Shift Interrupt system works
Watch this video Mercruiser Alpha Shift cable adjustment by achris . It fixed my problem with stalling when shifting in reverse. If not you will need new lower shift cable to be repalced.

Awesome, I'll give the adjustment a go before replacing the cable...

Thanks fo rhte link, I'll keep you updated on my progress!

 

[Don S]

Re: 89 4.3 alpha 1 stalls when put in reverse

Do the aftermarket cables work as well as the OEM ?

Get the OEM cable. It's a MUCH better cable (teflon coated) than any of the aftermarket cables. And not much extra money for it either.