MerCruiser Alpha Sliding Clutch and Shift cut out switch explained

In this video I show and tell how a MerCruiser Alpha drive sliding clutch and shift cut-out switch work together. This video applies to all #1, R, MR, Alpha One and Alpha One Gen II outdrives.

[edbeeinnv]

Great video, thanks so much for making it! I like to understand the theory behind how things are supposed to work (the cut-out switch in this case) before attempting to make adjustments or repairs. I am glad I found this video as it described exactly what I wanted to know. My boat has an Alpha One gen 1 and when I got it the upper section of the drive was destroyed (many missing gear teeth) and the previous owner told me there had been an issue with the shift cut-out switch. It does have the newer style plunger type switch and I want to make sure it is set up properly before I test the new drive in the water. Thanks again for the super helpful video!!!

[stevemyo]

Best explanation video I have ever seen thanks

[wrotedog]

This has got to be the Best Video on alpha m r and 1 outdrives on the internet....😊😊 I have a 1980 bayliner Saratoga with 228 mercruiser and alpha type omc drive and had the switch cutting out in reverse. Tried to do the slow engagement and disconnect (wire) interupter now it wont go in forward trying to get it out if reverse. Only neutral and reverse now.. Im told the cable may be stretched???

[jamesflom]

Wow, I've always wondered how that switch worked. Thanks

[davestewart]

I have an old 79 StarCraft with the mercruiser engine and drive that I bought used about 20 years ago and still have it, I was just learning and didn’t realize that the previous owner had simply disconnected the cut off switch, so for the first few years I had the idle really low to work or I had to shut the engine off to get out of gear, after that I hooked the switch back up, wow what a difference, with your advise I just replaced the shift cable and shift shaft seal the engine was really out of alignment too, what I understand that no one makes a direct replacement cut out switch anymore, I don’t know if that’s true, thank you so much for your videos Sir 👍😁

[honeybadgerlodge]

Super helpful with my Mercruiser 260. Thank you very much

[timreiner]

Thank you my friend ... good info had some issues today you helped me out. Operate a 1972 IO Starcraft Chiefton. For 17 year up on the Amazon and the last 30+ years on the São Francisco river NE Brazil.

[Kempmaurice]

Thank you so much for this video! I had no idea I was causing problems by shifting in and out of gear too slowly (when maneuvering around in a marina) rather than making positive movements in and out of gear.

[gambishchildino]

Very helpful video, thank you for taking the time to explain it

[Mbrown]

Nicely said. Makes perfect sense. Perfect gear mesh every time and cannot pop out of gear like a car trans with bad synchros. Slow it down some to allow separation

[Dudeguy_]

Could you place a link to the video where you talk about changing that cable?

[DerekGingerich-ir]

Thank you for this video. I have an alpha one gen 2. Do you have a video showing how to adjust the cutoff switch to properly to be timed with the shift

[budoitraian]

Hello.
Cutt of only for out of gear?
From F to N and from R to N ?!
Or cut of also when go in gear?!
From N to F and N to R ?!

[gregsmith]

Hi excellent video thank you

I have a 3.0 and Alpha one gen2 shifts perfectly out of gear forward and reverse. I am a little concerned about the loud clunk when I shift into f and r my old outboard was much quieter.
I have tried reducing the engine idle speed down as low as it will go around 650 rpm but that didn't make the clunk any less. I would like to know if the loud clunk is normal on alpha gen 2
From memory I have a 17" pitch 3 blade aluminium prop with plastic insert hub I imagine a heavier stainless steel prop would be worse

Thank you Greg

[lawman]

I recently Replaced my Thunderbolt V ignition module to a MSD ready to run distributor. To get my shift cutoff interrupter switch to work, do I run the white cutoff switch wire to the coil negative?

[tonykennedy]

Hi Ted, Thanks for the great video. What should I do for shift cut when I have fitted an HEI all in one Dizzy? Therefore no neg side of the coil to ground.

[davelambardo]

Awesome video! I understand the sliding clutch concept. And the slowing of the engine in order to shift. But it's how the engine is slowed is what is causing me a fit. I was just about to attack the switch you referenced that :"people that don't know what they are doing" go after 😂
I will say I have had just about all I can stand of mercruisers.
So I have an older mid 70 Cy. How do I Start from scratch on cable adjustment? Like everything unhooked from. Both or one end?

[richardspiger]

Great video,
On shift plate you are using for the demo there is a valve that goes to the trim pump, same as my 1980 Nordic mine has a newer style shift plate now, the valve is hooked up laying in the bilge. what function does it serve? I'm thinking it is a by pass for the trim pump( it loops from the trim pump through the valve and back to pump) at high or low speeds to control the rate of trim

[ritchieschrein]

hi ted great informative video i have alpha one outdrive the shifter stuck on me out on lake its in neutral but will not budge foward or backwards please advise

[moabbas]

I’ve had many problems with this and followed your instructions to replace the shift shaft cable, but I’m still having a problem with the disconnect or interrupter switch. Interrupter does not go back into the slot or the valley. Does this has anything to do with the other cables, please help I’ve been struggling with this for years, I’ve also had an idea of using the safety shut off next to the gear selector and try to imitate the shift interrupter at that point where it shuts off the engine momentarily when I put it in forward and backward or take it off gear I meant