Merc Alpha 1 Gen 1-140hp outdrive has grinding going into forward/reverse.

[Deadwood]

I'm having a problem on my 120/140hp Mercruiser inboard/outboard shifting into both forward and reverse. Started up fine (in the driveway with hose flush attachment) after sitting since February but the first four or five shifts into forward killed the engine. It finally freed up and went into gear but not without extensive grinding. When I say grinding it sounds more like a "ting, ting, ting", not like missing a gear in a manual transmission and it takes 5 or 6 seconds to finally link up. Once it gets into gear it sounds normal and the prop turns. I'm not much of boat mechanic so any input is appreciated.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Merc Alpha 1 Gen 1-140hp outdrive has grinding going into forward/reverse.

lower shift cable sounds like it needs replacement

 

[Deadwood]

Re: Merc Alpha 1 Gen 1-140hp outdrive has grinding going into forward/reverse.

You were right. Had the bellows replaced too. Looked like original equipment and didn't want it sinking at the dock.