Thanks. I've had it since new and it's still in excellent shape. I tell people all the time it's a 84 boat and they won't believe me. Sorry I can't offer much help on the MSD shift assist. I'm still using the original mechanical shift cutoff/interupter switch that came on the boat. I assume the MSD assist does the same but does it electronically. I would think it would have no bearing on engine performance but I could be wrong.
I guess a bad signal is being sent to the ignition cutting out the engine??? via the white wire.
Anyone know more about the MSD "shift assist"? If it replaces the factory momentary switch or what? I tested my old switch on the cable bracket and its fine? Runs like crap connected? Runs like a bandit unconnected?
Bought a Alpha 1 over the winter to build up for a spare drive in case I grenade my primary. I bought a GLM lower gear kit with all new gears and bearings and 1.50 Heavy Duty upper gears with all new bearings. New Merc prop and vert shafts. I set it up by the Merc service manual.
Installed on the boat and fired up on the trailer to check shift operation. Everything fine.
Took it down to the lake to break everything in and it was fine, until it would not shift into reverse. Forward was fine. Came home pulled the lower half and disassembled. Nothing torn up, gear pattern looked great, nothing major on magnet. I then noticed the F gear needle bearing had backed out and was hitting the spool keeping the clutch from engaging the R gear.
I figured it might not have been pressed in all the way so I pressed it in and retested today. Same thing happened, shifts fine for 5-6 shifts and then won't engage R. Pulled apart and it's the same thing.
I've been around Alpha 1's since the early 90's but this has me stumped. Nothing contacts the needle bearing to push it out. If you replace the bearing per the service manual you have to cut it out. I can only guess that either the needle bearing is undersized or the gear is oversize and the bearing works it's way out?
What are my options? What could cause this?
Send it back to GLM they have a fix for it the bearing now is held in with a snap ring, I have run into that several times.
Send it back to GLM they have a fix for it the bearing now is held in with a snap ring, I have run into that several times.
BTW, My GLM replacement gears came this morning and the F gear has a retaining ring behind the needle bearing to keep it from coming out. The defective one did not. Hmmmmm. Down to the workshop to install.
Well, as mentioned, I'm not into the high horse power/igher speed boats as you guys are. I own and work on cruisers.
In this arena, the Alpha drives have surpassed their dependability at much over a 26 footer.... and this is with only 250/280 + - horse power.
You are at risk in running any A drive with these types of engines.
Why not go to the B drive and be done with it?
Or, go Volvo Penta and be done.
I think to contiue with the A drives is a shot in the foot. IMO.
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I have an 89 Carrera 205 elite open bow. with a small block with an alpha i have a 19 3 blade i can turn a solid 5100 with 4 poeple. how long will the alpha last.
do the bravo and be done with it, its so easy all my boats bein swapped over and would never think of using a alpha with any kind of power
I have an 89 Carrera 205 elite open bow. with a small block with an alpha i have a 19 3 blade i can turn a solid 5100 with 4 poeple. how long will the alpha last.
I know I'm in the minority here but here's my $.02 Been running mine since the early 90s with a built 406. 190 cuddy, 23 LazerII runs 69mph at around 5 grand. You don't say what small block but from your numbers it sounds about right for a stock 350/260 in that size boat. Most all of the failures I've seen and heard of around here are either from water in the oil or hitting something. I personally don't see the alpha 1 as that bad of a drive. Sure the Bravo is bigger & stronger if you got a blown big block or something. Guess it's cause I been around since before they even invented the Bravo but theres thousands of Alphas out there still serveing well. If it was me & I was really that worried, I'd sell the boat & buy one with a Bravo.
BTW, you could probably pick up a couple MPH with a 21 but if you like haulin people & towing skiers the 19 is probably better.
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