Mercruiser outdrive. Need some help.

[mallardmagic348]

Hey guys. I am new to this boating thing but learned real fast the troubles of using a boat mechanic. Long story short, I removed my outdrive and replaced my water pump assembly myself, it went pretty well. However, I have ran into a problem. I placed the outdrive in Forward gear, placed the throttle in forward gear, and put the outdrive back on. I then learned that my throttle would not go back to neutral. I took the outdrive back off (whilst cussing) and placed the throttle in neutral. I put the outdrive back on with the throttle in neutral. Now, I know that wasn't the smartest thing to do, because i realized that my outdrive would still be in FORWARD, but that wasnt until after i bolted the outdrive back on. My engine will crank now, but i'm guessing it won't start because the outdrive is in gear. Before i go sweat and swear any more, i thought i would come get some advise. I'm new to this, so take it easy on me!

 

[jersigsel22]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive. Need some help.

What kind of drive????? Bravo, Alpha?????

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive. Need some help.

Got to be an Alpha.

The neutral switch is in the shift lever, not the drive, so that's not why it won't start. Might simply be the kill switch is disengaged on the shifter.

I have no idea what the process is for getting the shifter and the drive in synch, other than removing the lower half of the drive again. I was always under the impression it should be removed and installed in forward gear, but it's been a long time since I had an alpha.

 

[mallardmagic348]

Re: Mercruiser outdrive. Need some help.

Thanks guys. I figured it out. I didn't line up my shift coupler with the lower and upper units of the outdrive. When i put it in neutral it snapped that coupler right in half. Got a new one on the way. Good lesson learned, thanks for the advice!