GLENAMY 242SS

iTrader: (1)

I'm swapping from Alpha to Bravo. Is there any difference in the shift plate other than the interrupter switch?
Can I just remove the interrupter switch or disconnect it and use Alpha plate?
Thank you.

DBleil89

I swapped my 87 alpha to a 88 bravo. The plate was the same except the bolts were longer on the alpha and it had the switch. The longer bolts were for the spring loaded plastic slide. But you can get around that with some bushings available at home depot.

GLENAMY 242SS

iTrader: (1)

Gotcha, I was mainly concerned about the throw (travel) on the plate. Guess it is the same.
I will opt for new SS bolt 5/16x1" instead of bushings.
Thank you.

BUP

iTrader: (9)

2003 the shift lever was changed to labeling them (as Merc started labeling them alpha and Bravo apps ).

alpha was different than the bravo for the shift levels. - FYI. hence merc labeled to show whomever which is which but many miss that - making it a wrong install. .

outonsafari

iTrader: (4)

(QUOTE, from bup ) 2003 the shift lever was changed - alpha was different than the bravo for the shift level. - FYI. They are labeled to show whomever which is which but many miss that - making it a wrong install. .

so does that mean that 2003 and up (b1) have a different shift throw and therefore need a specific part numbered shift plate,

thanks

BUP

iTrader: (9)

Like I said the levers are not even the same - this is thru out the years but - in 2003 Merc label the levers with Alpha on those and Bravo on those app LEVERS.

I WAS NOT CLEAR ON THAT PART being thru out the years and in 2003 Merc started with labeling them. I missed typed - did not finish the post about the 2003 change. My bad. I changed my post above for a better understanding

With that said possible damage can take place with any related areas including the outdrive by using alpha lever and retainer for bravo apps . The shift plates are the same and again the lever & lever assembly / (retainer) is not the same plus the alpha uses a shift interuptor switch - were the bravo does not nor installs one on the plate.

Part Number 3 and 11 in the parts diagram link below is for Alpha gen II - they carry different part numbers as well thru Merc.so that alone is showing they are different parts. Also part number 3 can be called a retainer or lever assembly.

https://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...ket%28Alpha%29

BUP

iTrader: (9)

the bravo part number 3 and 11 not even the same compared to the Alpha Gen II.

Big mistake trying to make those same part numbers work from alpha to a Bravo app and vice versa.

https://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...ket%28Bravo%29

BUP

iTrader: (9)

To answer your question that you asked in another thread - The Alpha shift plate ONLY will work for Bravo apps.The real name for this plate is shift bracket assembly. Its also posted in the links above from the parts diagrams.

The years are from 1986 Alpha and up for 1988 Bravo and up - its the same plate = (shift bracket). Just the plate (shift bracket) ONLY so you will need the BRAVO PARTS that can be installed to the plate (shift bracket).