So I've just gotten a fresh reman 5.7 installed on my boat. It seems that the idle is set very high (1100 rpms) and it may be what's causing some shifting issues. It's REALLY harsh when shifting into fwd or reverse, so much so that it just can't be right. Shifting back to neutral isn't exactly right either... the shifter will "click" into neutral but it will actually stay in gear until the throttle is jiggled a little, then it will kick into neutral.

What should the idle rpms be? or does this not sound like the cause of my problems?

I should also note that it's an Alpha drive.

Idle on 5.7 L carb should be 650. Idle on 5.7 EFI and 350 mag MPI should be 600. A high idle may well give a harsh shifting.

Better adjust the idle down a few hundred rpms before it causes you a drive problem

1100 RPM is way to high. 650 -/+

600-650 in gear is good, also I would check the interrupter it should be pulsing to help it to both disengage and engage. I am assuming it is an Alpha!

Once in gear, the idle does drop a little, but only to about 1000 rpms. I'm not sure how to make these adjustments myself, so I'll probably have to take it back to the place that did the engine swap.

Oh well, I just won't get to take a drive this afternoon

"If it is a carb engine" look by where the cable attaches to the carb, down by the carb base right by the arm you will see a screw facing forward turn it slowly to the left. When you get it to about 700 put it in gear and it will drop a little more try for 600 in gear that should take care of it.

Phil

Yes, it's a carb engine. Can I do this on the hose? or does the boat have to be in the water? If I can do it on the hose, I thought I wasn't supposed to put it into gear while running on the hose? or can I just add throttle by pushing the button without engaging the prop? (sorry, don't know the proper term there)

You can set it to 700 on the hose you may need to touch it up in gear when you launch it, it needs to be under load for proper adjustment.

Phil

P.S. Do it and go play!

Thanks!