Alpha One Outdrive

Question
Not sure if you work with outdrives but I have a 1992 Alpha 1.  The other day once in a while it would not shift into reverse, no problems going into forward.  If I had just started the engine or had been idling for a few minutes it would click like it was going to engage but never would.  If I was running in forward for a bit then shift into reverse (coming into a dock to stop) it would engage.  I ran it after we got home and it engaged everytime.  I noticed a switch on top of the valve cover that would move across a small roller when I put it into forward gear, the switch did not move when I put it in reverse...could this switch be the problem or maybe loose linkage?

Thanks
Paul

Answer
there are several reasons it may not be shifting correctly. the first is it could be out of adjustment. the second it could be a stretched cable from wear and tear. and third the cable could be rusting at the point your drive tilts. i would take it to your service dealer to inspect.