Locked Up Alpha 1 or ?

[RustyL]

Working on a 2000 Bayliner w/ a Mercruiser 5.0 and Alpha 1 Outdrive. Motor runs great, but when it's shifted into either forward or reverse the engine dies (quickly) without the prop moving at all. This boat has not been used for 2 years, the lower unit fluid was milky. Previous owner said that it had worked fine last time out. I am aware of the shift (lull) switch parameter, but even if that is not functioning properly, should'nt the prop still engage? If the outdrive is locked up what would be the likely culprit? Further, if a replacement is needed any suggestions on a source? Thanks in advance!

[bikerboater]

Sounds like a gummed up lower shift cable to me. If the lower cable is binding, the detent switch will kill the motor before it engages the drive. If the oil looks milky the drive may need resealed which is cheaper than buying another. I'd say, pull the drive off, check the cable and reseal the drive. Don't neglect to change the little seal on the intermeadiate shift shaft. It keeps water out of the shift cable. Mine actually had water coming out of the cable where it attaches to the engine. Probably what messes up the cable in the first place. When the drive is pulled apart, it will be simple to access it's condition. The u-joints should also be inspected and lubed and don't forget to check out the gimbal bearing. Hope this helps.

[RustyL]

Thanks Bikerboater...
I should have mentioned that the engine does'nt coast to a stop. I would describe it as placing a manual transmission car against a telephone pole an dropping the clutch in 3rd. The boat engine certainly doesn't die like just turning the ignition off.
Also with the engine off and the shifter fully in either forward or reverse the prop just freespins.
Sure appreciate the advice.
Rusty

[bikerboater]

The fact that it just freewheels could indicate that the cable has frozen solid. If the drive had a lot of water in it I suppose it could have also rusted up bad enough to lock it but can't say I've ever heard of it. Iregaurdless, the drive has to come off anyway. Once off you will be able to see if it turns and shifts normally. The engine should only be turning over at 700rpm when shifting so killing the ignition will stop it pretty fast. Since you say the drive won't engage with the motor off, I don't see how it is killing the motor. My money's still on that cable, seen it many times includeing my own.

[bikerboater]

Too early in the AM here, just thought about this somemore. Don't know if you realize it but if the engine is running, everything in the drive is turning with the engine except the prop shaft. No mater if it's in gear or not, all the gears are spinning. The shifting is done in the lower unit with a dog clutch spined to the prop shaft and you say it spins free. Get a new shift cable.

[RustyL]

Thanks Bikerboater
Makes more sense to me now. I'll post the result.
Regards,
Rusty

[Ryan00TJ]

Too early in the AM here, just thought about this somemore. Don't know if you realize it but if the engine is running, everything in the drive is turning with the engine except the prop shaft. No mater if it's in gear or not, all the gears are spinning. The shifting is done in the lower unit with a dog clutch spined to the prop shaft and you say it spins free. Get a new shift cable.
Correct.
If it were mine I would pull the drive and pressure test for leaks. If the oil was milky it will likely fail. I would then tear apart the drive and go from there replacing what is needed. If it sat for 2 years with water in the oil the gears and bearings are likely to be pitted and need replaced.
With the drive off you will be able to check the shift cable operation and condition.
Here are pics of Alpha 1 gears and bearings that sat for awhile with water in the gear oil.......
http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/6592/rustedvertshaftbearing3wy4.th.jpg (http://img111.imageshack.us/my.php?image=rustedvertshaftbearing3wy4.jpg)
http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/16/pittedforwardgearlowergo3.th.jpg (http://img111.imageshack.us/my.php?image=pittedforwardgearlowergo3.jpg)
http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/1857/rustedbearingwo3.th.jpg (http://img341.imageshack.us/my.php?image=rustedbearingwo3.jpg)
http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/4568/pittedlowerracekg9.th.jpg (http://img383.imageshack.us/my.php?image=pittedlowerracekg9.jpg)

[RustyL]

Nasty weather here today so I didn't get to taking the outdrive off (muddy in the storage lot). I will though in the next day or two and I'll report back. Sure appreciate all the help Bikerboater and Ryan00TJ!!
Rusty