Alpha one linkage question

[gwhjr98]

I have a 1998 larson with an Alpha one outdrive. I/O. Just starting up for the year... did not have this problem at the end of the year. Having problems going from Forward to Netural.. Pull back into netural but the boat stays in gear. Have to move to reverse and back to take it out. Is this an adjustment to the linkage or something that needs to be lubed? The problem also happens going from Rev to Netural.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Alpha one linkage question

You need to replace the lower shift cable.....
Here is a link on how to do it....
http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf......​

 

[smithrock]

Re: Alpha one linkage question

I have this exact same problem, except when I'm at home with the ears on, it shifts perfectly back into neutral. Out in the water is doesn't pop into neutral, it will continue to move at idle speed. Are you sure there isn't an adjustment that needs to be done?

BTW- I'm new here.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Alpha one linkage question

Nope,...... You also need a New Lower Shift Cable........

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Alpha one linkage question

I have this exact same problem, except when I'm at home with the ears on, it shifts perfectly back into neutral. Out in the water is doesn't pop into neutral, it will continue to move at idle speed. Are you sure there isn't an adjustment that needs to be done?

BTW- I'm new here.​

Yup, you need a new shift cable, too......
The problem occurs under load, like when it is actually doing work......
Welcome to iboats, btw........​

 

[badbowtie]

Re: Alpha one linkage question

My alpha one unit on my 85 wellcraft is doing about the same thing it goes to neutral from forward but when in reverse you have to go past neutral to get it to disenguage from reverse. The link you posted doesn't really show anything about what is involved in changing the lower cable. How do you determine it is that cable and not the top cable or that they are just out of adjustment I tried to adjust them just didn't have very good success yet. Sorry to jump in on you'r thread just figured it would keep all the cable issues in one thread.

 

[smithrock]

Re: Alpha one linkage question

Good question ! I have an '85 Chaparral Alpha 1 and was hoping I could adjust it. That manual covers from '94-'97. Is there one that covers an '85 ?

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha one linkage question

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?p=1357782#post1357782

 

[smithrock]

Re: Alpha one linkage question

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?p=1357782#post1357782

I checked that one as well, and it also says from 1994-1997 ?

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha one linkage question

I checked that one as well, and it also says from 1994-1997 ?

Did you even open my link? If you did, you would know that it covers ALL the drives, in different sections. Besides that, there isn't a Merc manual that only covers 94 to 97 drives.

 

[smithrock]

Re: Alpha one linkage question

Yes I did. And when I went to click on the manual it came up sterndrives 94-97 ? Am I missing something? I do appreciate all your help!

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha one linkage question

Here is a picture of the cover for Service Manual #6, the one you need for your drive. Would you explain to me where it says 94 to 97. Cause I just don't see it.

 

[smithrock]

Re: Alpha one linkage question

When I click on "main menu" to the left, it comes up "sterndrives 94-97. I have another question though: should that roller on the switch always be in the middle position? Or does it move when it's in gear, I've tried it in gear at higher the idle RPM's with the earmuffs on and it stays in the middle. Does it also need a load on it before it moves?

thanks-

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha one linkage question

DO NOT click on Main Menu. That takes you clear out of the service manual. Even after you do get to the main menu, YOU had to click on Technitions Handbook to come up with that 94-97 manual.

Do This....Click Here. Once you get to the cover of manual #6, scroll down to the last page. There you will find the manual OUTLINE for that manual. Click on the section LETTER that you want to view.

 

[smithrock]

Re: Alpha one linkage question

Okay, got it! I wasn't clicking on the right thing. Do you have an answer to my other question?

Thanks again for all your help!

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Alpha one linkage question

When I click on "main menu" to the left, it comes up "sterndrives 94-97. I have another question though: should that roller on the switch always be in the middle position? Or does it move when it's in gear, I've tried it in gear at higher the idle RPM's with the earmuffs on and it stays in the middle. Does it also need a load on it before it moves?

thanks-

Yes, but it will move a fraction, for a fraction of a second, when you put it in/out of gear under load.......
Ya almost can't see it.....​

 

[smithrock]

Re: Alpha one linkage question

Okay, then what does it mean when under load it is staying kind of stuck up just a little above the valley? The reason i'm asking is: last time I had the boat out, when I'm in gear and went to stop it sayed up and then about 20 to 30 seconds later it droped back down and then it went to neutral. i think that is my problem when in gear and I can't get the prop to stop completely so that it is in neutral.

I hope I'm making sense!

 

[Don S]

Re: Alpha one linkage question

Just like Haut said 10 replies ago. You need a new cable. If that thing is sticking up, you obviously have a defective shift interrupt switch or it's been disconnected. Otherwise the engine wouldn't even run while it's up.
You REALLY need to get the cable replaced and the shift interrupt switches working before you damage the drive.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Alpha one linkage question

Sure you are making sense.....
You need a new lower shift cable.....
It is binding, then relaxing with vibration.......
They do not just go out of adjustment....
The roller should be in the center of the detent all of the time unless the shifter is being engaged or disengaged........
Replace the cable......​

 

[smithrock]

Re: Alpha one linkage question

Is this something I should/can do myself, or is it better to have it done professionally? I don't want to screw up something else and compound my problems!