[David-C]

And having hard time getting into gear. Have to push way forward and then it slams into gear.

Seems to have started with cold weather.

Reverse is fine.

I tightened up on the linkage thumb screw mounted on the housing and it seemed to go into forward a lot better (key off, turn the prop test), and Ihope that fixes it. Don't want to put any money into the boat now (having to re-power my 18 foot Trophy... YIKES!).

Generic repair manual is not much help. Any suggestions before I ruin it?

Thanks!
David

 

[rj]

1. check linkage--you are looking for loose, sloppy ,or excessive play (should be none)

2. adjustments--should be same throw for forward & reverse.

3. worn clutch dogs,fordwarg gear dogs almost always go first, continued operation when jumping out of gear will result in worn clutch dogs, $$$$

4. the shift & turn the prop while not running will not reveal worn clutch dogs. running under load will.

5. any water in the unit?

 

[David-C]

rj,

Going to check #5 first, as soon as it gets above freezing.

Guess I will fill the boat up with money and take it to a mechanic...

Onset was sudden. Is that an important diagnostic clue?

Thanks!
David

 

[WildeOne]

BTW, failed clutch dog and fwd gear almost always comes from 'gentle" shifting, rather the brisk, quick shifts.

 

[David-C]

'gentle"

I am not familiar with this word. Please explain.

 

[WildeOne]

Slam it into gear with no messing around. "Gentle" means just what it says. Like very slowly moving the shift/throttle lever like you're afraid of breaking something, in fact while you ARE damaging the clutch dog and mating fwd gear.

 

[bigmouth]

gentle this is a fishing board not an english class .i think he knew what it ment

 

[bigmouth]

like anything u have to stick your head under there and see whats goin on .I had my lower unit off doin a water pump a month ago so I know the shift rod had to be right or it wiil be bound up.

 

[David-C]

bigmouth and wildeone,

I know what it means. I was just making a joke because I am hardly ever gentle with equipment. I've known about not easing it into gear for quite a while.

I just don't know enough about the lower unit to go into it. Over the years I have screwed up enough projects that I have learned to stay out unless I know what I am doing!

Thanks for your tips.
David