Alpha Gen II Shifting questions

[ricohman]

On my 2011 boat, why does the manual specify not shifting into gear without the engine running? I know that you have to shift it into forward to remove the drive.
My new boat went back to the factory for a warranty repaint, and they removed the drive. While running it for the first time this season on the muffs I thought I should click it into gear at idle to make sure that I have a spinning prop before heading to the ramp. The drive made a bit of a ratcheting noise before engaging then it was quiet. Normal? I only had it in gear a few seconds.
Also, with the engine off and the drive in forward, why can I spin the prop clockwise (when viewed from the back of the boat) and not counterclockwise?
Sorry for the dumb questions but I've never had one of these apart, yet.

 

[ktbarrentine]

Re: Alpha Gen II Shifting questions

Did you do a nice, quick shift into gear? You cant just slowly put it into gear, you have to be swift to get the clutch dogs to engage and not have it ratchet like it did for you.

The design of the clutch dogs in the OD lower are what allows you to rotate the prop CW, but have it "lock" CCW when the shifter is in Fwd, and vice-versa when the shifter is in reverse. I do this test each time I put the drive back on (before I fire up the engine) to make sure my shifter is working right.

This link shows a good side view of the clutch dogs/shift mechanism

http://forums.iboats.com/mercruiser...nterrupt-system-works-288089.html#post1930449


Not any dumb questions.... the answers hopefully give a good foundation for being able to properly operate and maintain your rig.

(sorry...can't answer the question about what the manual says about shifting without the engine running. never heard of that before).

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha Gen II Shifting questions

The reason you don't shift when the engine is not running is because of the dog clutch. If the high points of the clutch and the gear are lined up, you put a bind on everything and can bend things. If you can't run the engine and want to shift to make sure it works, just have someone turn the prop while you shift the lever. Does the same thing as having the engine running.

 

[ricohman]

Re: Alpha Gen II Shifting questions

This answers my questions. Thanks guys!