Gears with engine off

[Patrick_L]

Alpha one Gen II

After putting lower unit back in with dog clutch aligned in forward position, is it normal to have prop locked both ways when hand turning it in reverse ? And is it normal to have it ratchet in forward when hand turning it clockwise ?

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... It should turn both ways, freely in neutral,......
In forward or reverse, it should lock in one direction, 'n ratchet in the other direction,.....

 

[Patrick_L]

Ayuh,..... It should turn both ways, freely in neutral,......
In forward or reverse, it should lock in one direction, 'n ratchet in the other direction,.....

The dilemma I have is that Mercurys supposedly do not spin in either direction when in reverse and only ratchet in forward when spinning it clockwise. I don't want to take it out again if i don't have to, and at the same time need to if it isn't right

 

[nola mike]

The dilemma I have is that Mercurys supposedly do not spin in either direction when in reverse and only ratchet in forward when spinning it clockwise.

According to who? Should ratchet ccw in reverse

 

[Patrick_L]

According to who? Should ratchet ccw in reverse

 

[dubs283]

Information referenced in post #5 is in regards to a mercury outboard not an alpha sterndrive.

Outboard clutches often times have square lugs for reverse engagement thus not ratcheting in reverse gear.

Mercruiser alpha style clutch dogs have for many many years contained ramped teeth for both forward and reverse gear engagement. This allows for the clutch to disengage smoother/easier when shifted to neutral

If your alpha drive clutch does not ratchet when rotating the propshaft ccw when in reverse gear either the shift cable/linkage is misadjusted or there is an issue in the gear case assembly

 

[Patrick_L]

Information referenced in post #5 is in regards to a mercury outboard not an alpha sterndrive.

Outboard clutches often times have square lugs for reverse engagement thus not ratcheting in reverse gear.

Mercruiser alpha style clutch dogs have for many many years contained ramped teeth for both forward and reverse gear engagement. This allows for the clutch to disengage smoother/easier when shifted to neutral

If your alpha drive clutch does not ratchet when rotating the propshaft ccw when in reverse gear either the shift cable/linkage is misadjusted or there is an issue in the gear case assembly

It is all good now. It took some extra prop turning and gear changes on the remote for it to click in

 

[tank1949]

Alpha one Gen II

After putting lower unit back in with dog clutch aligned in forward position, is it normal to have prop locked both ways when hand turning it in reverse ? And is it normal to have it ratchet in forward when hand turning it clockwise ?

It doesn't take much miss adjustment to not have fwd or reverse. Never like Alphas because there is not much room for error.