Reverse not engaging and making what sounds like a grinding sound

[arcticviking]

Can anyone tell me how to stop the grinding sound when shifting into reverse on an Alpha 1 outdrive? It also feels like the reverse is not engaging unless I push the shifter down a little farther, could this just be an adjustment in my shifting cables? This only happens on the Port outdrive, the Starboard is fine and shifts well.
Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks! Capt. Kurt out

 

[mwph]

Below is a link that has some great information on your drive & shift cables. Others may chime in here with help in adjusting or replacing your shift cables, but this link should get you started.

http://www.outdriveshop.com/replace_alpha_shiftcable.html

 

[Lazy Daze]

You may be due for new cables, but you also may very well be able to adjust them - especially if you notice that it's getting into forward a little early. So, it's probably worth a shot to try that, first.

Look at where the two shift cables meet by your riser/elbow. You'll notice a brass, barrel shaped nut threaded on the SS rod. You're going to move that brass adjuster nut forward or aft to try and find a happy medium (or neutral, as it may be). Now, I don't do this every day so I can't tell you which way to turn it. You'll have to do a little trial and error. But, make an accurate mark of where the brass nut is now (count threads). Then count your turns so if you have to go the other way, you know where to go.

While in neutral, spin the prop by hand and listen/feel for ticking/clicking. Adjust the nut till there is none in either direction. Then, fine tune it by shifting into forward and then again spin it by hand (it will only move one direction). This time you SHOULD feel/hear clicking. Pay attention to the severity. Shift into reverse and repeat. Adjust the nut till it feels as close to equal as possible. Double check it by spinning it neutral again.

 

[bajturner]

I had this problem last spring on my port drive as well. I had the cables replaced but it didn't solve it. The marina tech tried adjusting them four times with no improvement. We decided the dog clutch was worn out. It was most economical to replace the lower unit. Now I want a new lower on the starboard too because of how smooth the new one is!

My symptom was rattling and rumbling when shifting into reverse and sometimes it would continue even when well into gear such that it wasn't fully engaged.

 

[arcticviking]

Great information, thanks everyone for the replies!