Merc. A-1, Gen 2, Drive Unit makes noises when shifting

[CPOAE]

When shifting from neutral to forward or to reverse, I hear a grinding sound like something is loose. Drive shifts into forward and reverse gears OK, prop spins both ways. What could a dumb newbie like me have messed up now? Somebody, please help!

 

[achris]

Re: Merc. A-1, Gen 2, Drive Unit makes noises when shifting

If you're used to a VP with cone clutches that are silent, this ain't like that!

It has a dog clutch. The correct shifting procedure is to shift quickly into and out of gear. DO NOT 'ease' it into gear. It has 2 states, in gear and out of gear... When you 'drop' it into gear you should feel/hear more a clunk than a grind....

Chris.......

 

[CPOAE]

Re: Merc. A-1, Gen 2, Drive Unit makes noises when shifting

Thanks for the quick response, achris. I have a 1997 Reinelle, with a Mercruiser 4.3L (0K020305) w/Alpha 1 Gen II (0K063755). I don't know what a VP with cone clutches is. This is my first stern drive boat. I just put it into gear easy, cause I thought I might mess something up by just jammin it in. I'll try it again. By the way, in the manual they said something about tilting the prop shaft to port to allow for the engagement of the shift spool with the shift crank. I did'nt see that before I put the prop shaft in. Could that be part of the problem? It seems to go into gear OK, though.

 

[cr2k]

Re: Merc. A-1, Gen 2, Drive Unit makes noises when shifting

What ever that was in probably not relevant. You are causing more damage by easy shifting as the gearset is made for rapid engagement. Don't slam it like you are mad but do it swiftly and with purpose. You will soon get a feel as to where you need to move the shifter to be fully in gear.
Don't ask it to go in gear; Tell it to go in gear.

 

[CPOAE]

Re: Merc. A-1, Gen 2, Drive Unit makes noises when shifting

Thanks cr2k, I just did what you suggested, told it to go into gear and it sounds like a loud clack and feels like something is rubbing or grinding as it goes into gear. Sounds like metal to metal. Before I did the reseal, it sounded like you guys say, clunk, but now it has more of a clack, clack, grinding sound.

 

[achris]

Re: Merc. A-1, Gen 2, Drive Unit makes noises when shifting

... Before I did the reseal, ....

Now that would have been nice to know in the first post. ....

Sounds like you have the shift spool in the wrong place, or the rear bearing carrier's not seated home properly....

Anything else you can think to tell us about the history of the drive....?

Chris.......

 

[CPOAE]

Re: Merc. A-1, Gen 2, Drive Unit makes noises when shifting

Uh! Some of us take longer than others to get it! I am one of those a little slow. OK, removal and install #4 comming up. I guess, at least, I'll be pretty good at that part pretty soon. I'll re-check it.

Thanks again.