Alpha 1 gen 2 shift cable adjustment

[markhodges78]

Ok so I have a question. In the mercruiser manual it says " After cable has been aligned, turn brass barrel 4 turns away from cable end guide " What is the purpose of this? Then it says. " For Commander 3000 Controls, if shift assist assembly attaching points do not align, verify controller is in the neutral position. Remove the shift cable and reposition the adjustment barrel as required to allow the shift assembly to be installed with no effort " So wouldn't this make the 4 turns out not necessary if you have a Commander 3000 couldn't you just go straight to the part where you line up the shift assist?

 

[flashback]

Correct, if you decide to use the assist then it dictates the barrel adjustment.

 

[dubs283]

The four turns instruction is for shift plates without the assist spring assembly.

If you have/use the shift assist then you adjust to six inches in fwd gear and set the lower cable end in place, then adjust remote cable accordingly

 

[markhodges78]

This is from the manual which one would assume you add the 4 turns regardless which would move the lower more toward neutral
NOTE:Some models may be equipped with a shift assist assembly. The only difference with
these models is that the remote control shift cable attaching hardware is slightly longer. Shift
cable adjustment is the same as all other versions.

 

[ROY WILLIAMS]

Ok so I have a question. In the mercruiser manual it says " After cable has been aligned, turn brass barrel 4 turns away from cable end guide " What is the purpose of this? Then it says. " For Commander 3000 Controls, if shift assist assembly attaching points do not align, verify controller is in the neutral position. Remove the shift cable and reposition the adjustment barrel as required to allow the shift assembly to be installed with no effort " So wouldn't this make the 4 turns out not necessary if you have a Commander 3000 couldn't you just go straight to the part where you line up the shift assist?

adjust the inspect,, the shift cables

 

[markhodges78]

adjust the inspect,, the shift cables

I watched that 100 times and it states add 4 turns away from the end of the cable I'm familiar with the procedure I'm asking what is the purpose of the 4 turns... the reason I'm asking is some say preload on forward gear but what the 4 turns actually does is moves it in the direction of neutral...

 

[ROY WILLIAMS]

I watched that 100 times and it states add 4 turns away from the end of the cable I'm familiar with the procedure I'm asking what is the purpose of the 4 turns... the reason I'm asking is some say preload on forward gear but what the 4 turns actually does is moves it in the direction of neutral...

yes the brass barrel is 4 turns and then in fwd throttle gear cable then look up the shift out drive ... then the amount is around 61/8-61/4 inch ...
the other video

 

[markhodges78]

Maybe @achris can shine some light on the question

 

[markhodges78]

None of this has answered my original question which was what is the purpose of the 4 turns out on control cable and is it needed ? Some have said that it adds preload to forword gear but my thinking is that the 4 turns out will actually move the shift closer to neutral?

 

[markhodges78]

@muc

What are your thoughts on this method of cable adjustment?

This is not my write up this was posted by a member of another forum

Originally posted by 2850Bounty

***************************************
The OEM engineers had to choose an initial cable adjustment dimension for average Joe mechanic and average Joe user. Hence the initial adjustment "Tool" or suggested dimension.

IMO, these methods get us close .... and perhaps may be subject to further adjustments.

The whole idea is to center the Dog Clutch "sliding sleeve" equally between the two driven gear Dog Teeth while in neutral.

The pre-determined dimension (the tool or dimensioin) gets you close. But keep in mind that each scenario may be slightly different.

Here is my unorthodox method for a Dog Clutch drive, if you care to try it.

You can either begin with the suggested OEM dimension, or toss it out the window and begin from scratch.... your call:

1. With the drive fully down (to counter gravity against the sliding sleeve), have a helper swing the propeller back and forth (right and left) quickly, and in an even pattern and rhythm.

2. You will be at the engine with the lower shift cable disconnected at the linkage arm.

3. As you bring the cable towards a FWD gear engagement, note where you just begin to hear the "ratcheting" sound as the sliding sleeve contacts the FWD gear Dog Teeth.

Note where the cable is in it's travel, and find a way to mark it.

4. Now move the cable towards a REV gear engagement. The helper will still be swinging the prop back/forth.

Again, note where you just begin to hear the sliding sleeve contact the REV gear Dog Teeth.

Note once again where the cable is in it's travel, and find a way to mark it.

5. When you divide this travel equally, you will have located theoretical Neutral regarding where the sliding sleeve is in relationship to the two "driven" gears.

This is the goal..... "neutral".

6. Now connect your lower shift cable up to the rest of the linkage so that this "Neutral" travel adjustment is maintained.

The spring loaded cam arm will have maintained it's neutral position.

You may find that the new measurement is slightly different from that of the OEM (or Stuart Hastings dimension for the OMC Cobra drives).

None-the-less, the sliding sleeve will now be at center of travel while in Neutral on the splines of the propeller shaft.

Again, this is the goal!

7. Make your SI or ESA adjustments after first doing the above.

NOTE: this method works well if all is in good condition.

However, if you have a bad cable, bent shifting rod, or any other items that are not working correctly, it will prevent most any method from working as well as it could.

 

[muc]

@muc

What are your thoughts on this method of cable adjustment?

This is not my write up this was posted by a member of another forum

Originally posted by 2850Bounty

***************************************
The OEM engineers had to choose an initial cable adjustment dimension for average Joe mechanic and average Joe user. Hence the initial adjustment "Tool" or suggested dimension.

IMO, these methods get us close .... and perhaps may be subject to further adjustments.

The whole idea is to center the Dog Clutch "sliding sleeve" equally between the two driven gear Dog Teeth while in neutral.

The pre-determined dimension (the tool or dimensioin) gets you close. But keep in mind that each scenario may be slightly different.

Here is my unorthodox method for a Dog Clutch drive, if you care to try it.

You can either begin with the suggested OEM dimension, or toss it out the window and begin from scratch.... your call:

1. With the drive fully down (to counter gravity against the sliding sleeve), have a helper swing the propeller back and forth (right and left) quickly, and in an even pattern and rhythm.

2. You will be at the engine with the lower shift cable disconnected at the linkage arm.

3. As you bring the cable towards a FWD gear engagement, note where you just begin to hear the "ratcheting" sound as the sliding sleeve contacts the FWD gear Dog Teeth.

Note where the cable is in it's travel, and find a way to mark it.

4. Now move the cable towards a REV gear engagement. The helper will still be swinging the prop back/forth.

Again, note where you just begin to hear the sliding sleeve contact the REV gear Dog Teeth.

Note once again where the cable is in it's travel, and find a way to mark it.

5. When you divide this travel equally, you will have located theoretical Neutral regarding where the sliding sleeve is in relationship to the two "driven" gears.

This is the goal..... "neutral".

6. Now connect your lower shift cable up to the rest of the linkage so that this "Neutral" travel adjustment is maintained.

The spring loaded cam arm will have maintained it's neutral position.

You may find that the new measurement is slightly different from that of the OEM (or Stuart Hastings dimension for the OMC Cobra drives).

None-the-less, the sliding sleeve will now be at center of travel while in Neutral on the splines of the propeller shaft.

Again, this is the goal!

7. Make your SI or ESA adjustments after first doing the above.

NOTE: this method works well if all is in good condition.

However, if you have a bad cable, bent shifting rod, or any other items that are not working correctly, it will prevent most any method from working as well as it could.

This is for Cobra drives. Even though they use a clutch dog system they have enough difference that this doesn’t apply.

You don’t provide a serial number, so I can only speak generally.

You ask about the 4 turns on the control cable. Yes this is required to move the clutch towards neutral. The reason for this is because of a Alpha weak point. There is a part in the lower unit called the shift spool. It’s on the end of the prop shaft so it spins with the clutch dog but has to stay somewhat stationary where it contacts the shift lever. So to keep wear to a minimum MerCruiser doesn’t want any pressure on this spool. So 4 turns toward neutral relives this pressure.

I don’t know if you have (serial number?) a shift assist assembly. If you do, I can explain why MCM added this part.

 

[muc]

Correct, if you decide to use the assist then it dictates the barrel adjustment.

NOTE:Some models may be equipped with a shift assist assembly. The only difference with
these models is that the remote control shift cable attaching hardware is slightly longer. Shift
cable adjustment is the same as all other versions.

For Commander 3000 Controls, if shift assist assembly attaching points do not align, verify
controller is in the neutral position. Remove the shift cable and reposition the adjustment
barrel as required to allow the shift assembly to be installed with no effort.
For ALL other controls, if shift assist assembly attaching points do not align, push in or
pull out on end of shift assist assembly to install. Do not attempt to readjust shift cable.

The 3000 controller had it's own list of issues. So it kind of stands alone as far as adjustment goes.

 

[flashback]

That's how I understood it as I have a 3000 but didn't know if that condition went for other shift controls. Thanks!

 

[markhodges78]

NOTE:Some models may be equipped with a shift assist assembly. The only difference with
these models is that the remote control shift cable attaching hardware is slightly longer. Shift
cable adjustment is the same as all other versions.

For Commander 3000 Controls, if shift assist assembly attaching points do not align, verify
controller is in the neutral position. Remove the shift cable and reposition the adjustment
barrel as required to allow the shift assembly to be installed with no effort.
For ALL other controls, if shift assist assembly attaching points do not align, push in or
pull out on end of shift assist assembly to install. Do not attempt to readjust shift cable.

The 3000 controller had it's own list of issues. So it kind of stands alone as far as adjustment goes.

The Seiral number is 0F267594 for the engine
The outdrive number is 0F250642

 

[markhodges78]

NOTE:Some models may be equipped with a shift assist assembly. The only difference with
these models is that the remote control shift cable attaching hardware is slightly longer. Shift
cable adjustment is the same as all other versions.

For Commander 3000 Controls, if shift assist assembly attaching points do not align, verify
controller is in the neutral position. Remove the shift cable and reposition the adjustment
barrel as required to allow the shift assembly to be installed with no effort.
For ALL other controls, if shift assist assembly attaching points do not align, push in or
pull out on end of shift assist assembly to install. Do not attempt to readjust shift cable.

The 3000 controller had it's own list of issues. So it kind of stands alone as far as adjustment goes.

I have a new MPC 4000 that i just installed

 

[markhodges78]

NOTE:Some models may be equipped with a shift assist assembly. The only difference with
these models is that the remote control shift cable attaching hardware is slightly longer. Shift
cable adjustment is the same as all other versions.

For Commander 3000 Controls, if shift assist assembly attaching points do not align, verify
controller is in the neutral position. Remove the shift cable and reposition the adjustment

barrel as required to allow the shift assembly to be installed with no effort.

For ALL other controls, if shift assist assembly attaching points do not align, push in or
pull out on end of shift assist assembly to install. Do not attempt to readjust shift cable.

The 3000 controller had it's own list of issues. So it kind of stands alone as far as adjustment goes.

When you say
Remove the shift cable and reposition the adjustment.
Are you referring to the lower shift cable or the upper control cable ? Just want to make sure were on the same page..

 

[flashback]

The control cable, you want to match the assist. I don't know know about a 4000 tho. I took the assist off and found shifting was better for me.

 

[muc]

When you say
Remove the shift cable and reposition the adjustment.
Are you referring to the lower shift cable or the upper control cable ? Just want to make sure were on the same page..

That is only on Commander 3000 Controls, didn't you say you installed a MPC 4000?

For ALL other controls, if shift assist assembly attaching points do not align, push in or pull out on end of shift assist assembly to install. Do not attempt to readjust shift cable.
But remember to use some common sense. You shouldn’t have to push or pull very much. If you have to move it (and I’ve never measured this) like 1/4” or more —- something is wrong somewhere else, maybe didn’t get the shift cable screwed in far enough? maybe some of the other things that affect this adjustment?

MCM added the shift assist because people wouldn’t learn how to do a correct adjustment. It’s there to pull the shift spool towards neutral and take pressure off of it. As a side benefit it seems to help people learn to into and out of gear firmly.

 

[markhodges78]

That is only on Commander 3000 Controls, didn't you say you installed a MPC 4000?

For ALL other controls, if shift assist assembly attaching points do not align, push in or pull out on end of shift assist assembly to install. Do not attempt to readjust shift cable.
But remember to use some common sense. You shouldn’t have to push or pull very much. If you have to move it (and I’ve never measured this) like 1/4” or more —- something is wrong somewhere else, maybe didn’t get the shift cable screwed in far enough? maybe some of the other things that affect this adjustment?

MCM added the shift assist because people wouldn’t learn how to do a correct adjustment. It’s there to pull the shift spool towards neutral and take pressure off of it. As a side benefit it seems to help people learn to into and out of gear firmly.

OK gotcha
All controllers get 4 turns added to cable with or without shift assist.
Only the 3000 controller gets adjusted if it does not lineup with shift assist. But no more than say quarter inch!
Ratcheting should Be a little easier in reverse than forward!
And last but not least neither gear forward or reverse should have excessive pressure on this spoll when ratching...

Thanks guys I really appreciate all your help

 

[Scott06]

I don’t know if you have (serial number?) a shift assist assembly. If you do, I can explain why MCM added this part.

why did MCM add the shift assist? I have one on my gen 2, heard some complaints on them but never had an issue, been the best shifting boat ive owned.