Alpha 1 Shift Cable Switch

[hven]

Hello, <br />I have a Mercruiser Alpaha 1 generation 1, 1988. <br />I have just replaced my intake water hose, exhaust, and shaft bellows and while I was in there I figured I should replace my lower shift cable even thought it seemed OK. I followed my manual but, it doesn't specify how the shift switch should operate so I don't know if I have installed it correctly. It seems that the switch is made by back pressure from the lower shift cable. With the motor not running the shift switch is not made while shifting in and out of gear. It moves slightly but, not enough to make the switch before it springs back to center. I can not run the motor until it warms up here but, would like to know if what I am describing is normal. With the motor running will it creat enogh back pressure on the lower shift cable to make the switch? The drive is going into and out of gear correctly.

 

[ODDD1]

Re: Alpha 1 Shift Cable Switch

hven, you are correct about switch not moving when you shift in an out of gear with the engine off. this is normal. when engine is running it puts a load on the clutches in the gear case making it more difficult to shift out of either gear into neutral... that is the purpose of the switch...to momentarily kill the igition and allow the clutches to release the switch wont work unless the prop is in the water so dont try to set it on a flushing kit in your sdriveway. normally the switch will kill the ignitoin when the roller is over halfway up the ramp...any sooner than that an motor will kill whenever shifting good luck.

 

[Michael Weaver]

Re: Alpha 1 Shift Cable Switch

Oddd1 is corect. Needs to be in the water. <br />Remember, this switch is to get the drive <br />OUT of gear. If it stumbles in gear, it is out of ajustment or lower cable is bad or needs grease. To install the cable, you must folow the book.

 

[iisonu]

Re: Alpha 1 Shift Cable Switch

I have a 1970 SeaRay SRV190 with a 165 stern drive and a GM 250 I/L 6 cyl.
Okay so the question is.... In order for the kill switch to "kill" the engine it needs to either ground out an electrical signal or send a voltage through when actuated.
Which is it.. I can't find it anywhere.
I have replaced my shift assist switch because I thought it faulty (Same symptoms) but all I measure across it is an open or short depending on its state. Of course that makes sense if there is not supposed to be any power going through it and it is simply opening a ground causing the electrical path to be broken. but if it is supposed to open an electrical path then where is that voltage supposed to be coming from?
I have two blue wires one goes to a terminal on the tilt/trim solenoid (which I also replaced) the other to a terminal block beside the solenoid and tilt/trim motor.

My next issue is the arm that is supposed to actuate the switch has a hump instead of the notch that my manual shows. Are there different configurations? or is it possible that I have the wrong arm?