Merc. Aplha 1, 135 HP stalls in neutral

L

LakeRider

New Member
Jul 3, 2010
19
CT
Boat Info
1995 Bowrider
Engines
135 hp Mercruiser Alpha One.
I have a Mercury Alpha One, 3.0 liter engine that starts fine when cold and warm. My only issue is when i'm returning into the dock after a few hours run time and shift to neutral, the engine stalls everytime.
Is this just an idle problem where I can slightly increase the idle rpms?
The manual states that the "Idle RPM in Forward Gear" should be 650-700 RPM
I'm confused......how can it be "idle RPMs" when it is in gear?
Anyway, what should be the proper neutral/idle rpms be?

Thanks very much for the future advise!
 
I have not owned a 3.0L, but normally there is a cutout switch that temporarily interrupts the ignition when you shift from gear into neutral. This unloads the gears so the shift is easier. Sounds like this switch is sticking for too long causing the motor to stall. I had this problem before, and it was actually a sticky shift cable that was holding the switch in.
 
Where did the chaffing occur? What is the best way to find the location?
Thanks
 
LakeRider said:
I'm confused......how can it be "idle RPMs" when it is in gear?
Click to expand...

There is a difference. You need to set the idle speed RPM when you nudge the shifter until the boat is just in forward gear, in the water. This will put a load on the engine that is needed to properly set the RPM. If you set it to the recommended RPM while in neutral, or while in gear but in your driveway (no water resistance), then when you get out on the water, that RPM will be too low and you will stall. I learned the right way by trial and error a long time ago with my '95 175 with 3.0L...

Once you get that set, then see how it does. It could be the cutout switch. It's easy to inspect and adjust too, if you have the Mercruiser service manual for your engine.

Tom
 
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