I HAVE A 6CYLINDER MERCRUISER WITH A ALPHA I/O.
MY BOAT JUST STARTED DOING THE SAME THING THIS WEEK.
IT LOOKS LIKE IT THE CABLES NEED ADJUSTING. NUETRAL IS NOT IN THE
CENTER ANYMORE OF THE CONTROLLER !! ALSO MY IDLE IS A LITTLE TO HIGH.
I GREASED EVERYTHING UP YESTERDAY. IT GOT BETTER BUT I CAN SEE THAT THE
SHIFTER IS OFF A LITTLE BIT. NUETRAL IS NOT IN THE CENTER ANYMORE.
JohnH wrote:
On 6 Aug 2006 01:35:28 -0700, wrote:

Well I took the boat out on Lake Mead today and had a little trouble
docking due to a new problem:

When shifting from N to FWD there's usually about a two second delay
during which a distinct ratcheting sound is heard, followed by a heavy
clunk as the gear engages. The rest of the time FWD will not engage at
all, and a faster buzz of a ratcheting noise can be heard coming from
the outdrive. Reverse works intermittantly as well but is more
reliable.

This problem just started this morning and along with the huge amount
of traffic at Callville Bay tonight I spent about two hours getting
this boat docked and back on it's trailer.

Anyone else deal with this type of problem on these outdrives?

Greg
'87 Bayliner capri
2.3 I/O OMC Cobra

I had a similar problem with my shifting (not an OMC). The shift linkage
needed adjustment. I let the mechanic at the marina do his thing. Then it
worked fine.
--
******************************************
***** Have a Spectacular Day! *****
******************************************

John