89 Force 85 engine thud/bounce

[smoknjo]

Problem: after accelerating from a complete stop and having accel about 1/4 down the boat/engine will make a sudden thud/shake, while at the same time while looking back at the wake there is a noticeable overspin of the prop. this will happen about every 8 seconds and will only make it once the throttle is about 1/4 down, from like 0 - 10 mph there is no thud/shake. It doesn't seem as though it is an engine issue more than it is a lower shaft issue (I believe, since this is my first boat) ... can anyone shed some light on this situation?<br /><br />Thanks<br />stranded on land!

 

[roscoe]

Re: 89 Force 85 engine thud/bounce

This is most likely caused by the lower unit popping out of gear, then quickly back into gear. You may have caught it before too much damage has been done.<br /><br />Your engine is either in gear, or out of gear. There is no clutch per se, as in a car. There is a gear, a clutch dog, on a shaft, that slides and locks into gear. <br /><br />You may be able to adjust the shift rod and cables to keep the unit engaged. If however, the gears have been worn, it will continue to get worse, and the clutch dog and gears will need to be replaced. <br /><br />I would get a manual and try to make the adjustments, and see if the problem can be solved that way.

 

[smoknjo]

Re: 89 Force 85 engine thud/bounce

Thanks for the reply ... I have an appt w/ the marina on monday to have it looked at ... <br /><br />

 

[smoknjo]

Re: 89 Force 85 engine thud/bounce

got the call from the marina and the guy said that it was the gear shift, that it was slipping in and out of gear ... so didn't cost much at all, then of course I had him check the steering, it was a little tight, that is going to cost me $500 ... thanks again for your help