Mercruiser Alpha One Dies When Shifting?

[@vikingwind25]

Mark, I have the same problem in that my switch plunger does not come out all the way to make electrical contact within the switch. I'm trying contact cleaner spray to loosen the "gunk" that may be holding back the switch plunger movement. Your video was an inspiration! Wish me luck. Also, your test light, coil to ground was a good tip to confirm electrical connection. Thanks !

[@alfredsmith9738]

This is the BEST VIDEO ever!!! Mine stalls every time I try to shift from neutral..you just save me a bunch of money on a buying a new carburetor. I thought the carb was the problem..wow. thank you

[@MarksBoatServices]

Just an FYI, It could also be your lower shift cable which is more common to be the cause

[@wyoprospector]

Great job explaining this issue, my boat started dying going into reverse, then would not start. I'm sure this is my problem. Gonna try to clean the switch and get it working.

[@DIGOLOGIST]

I have a 2000 Bayliner capri. I have had problems like this but was thinking it may be the shift cable adjustment. I will check the switch now. Great video. Thanks.

[@brettdore2635]

Hi Mark. Great video on the cut-out switch. Do you have a video on the adjustment of the shift cable? Or know of a good one for me to watch? Happy boating.

[@Dkny2001]

Super valuable video, thank you! I had the same issue and my mechanic just removed the switch..is that bad or can the engine live also without it? Also, I had an issue with the gears and neutral and the mechanic removed today the shift assist...since then the gears are working fine and smoothly, on land. Tomorrow we will test it on water. The engine is a 4.3LX V6 alpha one, carburetor engine. What are your thoughts on this? Thank you in advance.

[@MarksBoatServices]

The switch is needed to get the boat out of gear and into neutral. Without it it will likely get stuck in gear and usually not at a convenient time...

[@user-rr8dn5yl7d]

I'm installing the upgraded shift plate and it comes with two black wires and no wiring diagram or even a simple explanation which wire is pos or neg. The old wires are a tan with a green stripe and a solid black. So there's no way to tell how to connect the new two black wires to the old tan/green and black. I was hoping you would cover that. It would've been very helpful if you had.

[@enersysuy9535]

Very useful, thank you!

[@MollyTV1]

Excellent video My boat only stalls when docking trying to go forward / reverse 3-4 times , the boat restarts immediately though . Curious if it can be a sticky switch ?

[@MarksBoatServices]

Likely the cable just needs to be adjusted, or maybe replaced

[@MollyTV1]

Which way to adjust barrel nut for that problem ?

[@MollyTV1]

@@MarksBoatServices Which way should I adjust it I assume it’s the bottom cable It shifts fine , can I just bend the arm ?

[@JamesJackson-eh6sb]

Mine wasn't working motor ran when I shifted the button wasn't stalling the engine. I found one on the internet 115.00 used. Tonight I got curious, the brass sleeves for the bolts on one side have slits. I bent those forward took the sleeves out it came apart easily. Each wire sits in a slot the button has a spring under it is a two pronged tab that when pushed hit the wire tabs. Very simple to work on and figure out. Someone had painted the engine got into the switch on one side tabs were caked in paint. Mineral spirits cleaned it up put it back together sleeves back in bent them back into place. Put my meter on it pushed button the meter lite up. Waiting for the new one be putting the old one back in tomorrow.

[@Realitygetreal]

Amazing how older things that were built with quality were built to last and be repairable, now we live in a disposable world

[@tonychavez2083]

great video thanks

[@joedirt9600]

I have a 1988 Sea Ray Sundance 300 it stalls when shifting in and out of gear in the marina . I am installing two new switches Hopefully the problem is solved.

[@Bryan-de2gh]

I know this is an older post, just wondering if this solved your issue? Also when you engine stalled would it restart immediately? Our 93 330 does the same thing on starboard side at dock.

[@breezy3564]

I have a 1988 merc 454. It doesn’t have this kill switch. Should it? my boat occasionally dies when shifting.

[@kevinvanthiel]

During the shift it is supposed to kill it briefly but when it is in gear is it supposed to return to the same position as in neutral?

[@Realitygetreal]

correct, its designed so as you are pulling back from forward power to interrupt the "Spark" momentarily to take torque off the gears, 1 sign of a stuck switch is you can shift out of reverse but not out of drive, I had a button on my throttle/shift lever where the previous owner was doing it manually because he wounld not fix the switch

[@MrThieunguyen]

Thanks

[@jamespha9896]

thank you

[@MollyTV1]

When I shift forward to reverse while the engine not running the switch shown will toggle as shown . Do I need have the engine running in gear ?

[@luisnavarro3280]

Mine won’t plane can you help ?

[@juanvillarreal8567]

What the name of that part I need one

[@bonniemolitor7757]

You really need to purchase the new design kit from Quicksilver for better results.. see: www.amazon.com/dp/B000XBH6TE?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

[@Wes_vin]

Sound like a lazy motor or blowing head gasket

[@MarksBoatServices]

Why do you say that?