mercruiser alpha one grinding going into forward

[the riddler]

I've got a 1997 Chapparal with a 5.0 mercruiser aplha one outdrive. The last time I had the boat out it developed a problem where it would grind pretty severely going into forward. If I played with the shifter and sort of jerked it into gear it would go in without grinding, but if I wasn't careful it would start accelerating at the same time. Reverse seems to be fine. I seem to remember having this same problem years ago and the boat shop replaced the shift cable. I really don't want to pay to have that done since it looks like I can do it myself. Does the symptom line up with the shift cable being the possible problem? I have noticed that the shifter has gotten a little harder to move over the last couple of seasons.

 

[tazrig]

Re: mercruiser alpha one grinding going into forward

Sounds like you either need to adjust your upper shift cable (the one from the helm to the engine) at the engine. Or you may need to replace it if it has stretched. Go here:

http://forums.iboats.com/mercruiser...cellaneous-mercruiser-information-329915.html

find the mercruiser manual for your motor and look up shift cable. It will show you how to adjust it so it will shift into both gears smoothly. It's just a matter of measuring the length of wire going into the shift mechanism on top of your motor. If you find that by adjusting it you are grinding both forward and reverse than you need a new cable as your old one has stretched beyond adjustment. Sounds complicated but it really isn't. Once you find the manual for your motor in the above link it will show you with pics how to do it and you don't need any special tools.

 

[the riddler]

Re: mercruiser alpha one grinding going into forward

I will certainly check the adjustment of that cable thank you. My only concern is that the shifter has gotten stiffer over the past couple of seasons which makes me think I may have something binding...perhaps one of those two cables. Would a binding cable give me the same symptom as an out of adjustment cable?

 

[Bondo]

Re: mercruiser alpha one grinding going into forward

I will certainly check the adjustment of that cable thank you. My only concern is that the shifter has gotten stiffer over the past couple of seasons which makes me think I may have something binding...perhaps one of those two cables. Would a binding cable give me the same symptom as an out of adjustment cable?

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,... Anything is Possible,....

Disconnect a cable at the shift switch, 'n See which 1 is draggin'...

 

[tazrig]

Re: mercruiser alpha one grinding going into forward

I will certainly check the adjustment of that cable thank you. My only concern is that the shifter has gotten stiffer over the past couple of seasons which makes me think I may have something binding...perhaps one of those two cables. Would a binding cable give me the same symptom as an out of adjustment cable?

Could be but it sounds more like the binding feel is the shifter itself just needing to be greased or hit with a shot or two of WD-40. I agree with Bond-o though. the easiest way to tell is just to disconnect the cables and see if they both slide by hand or not. Also slide the shift lever(s) with the cables off to know for sure if that is your problem or not.