50 hp force wont shift into forward or reverse

[jhannan]

I was driving along at top speed and the motor popped into nuetral. Now it will not shift into forward or reverse. When the engine is off and it is in nuetral the prop spins freely. when it is in forward or reverese it will not. I'm hoping this is nothing serious. Any help will be much appreciated!

 

[Docdoc]

Re: 50 hp force wont shift into forward or reverse

Have you had problems with this before except that you were able to get it into gear before? <br />Could be you have a spun prop, but sounds like you have badly worn clutch dog and/or gear mating surfaces. This is common when shifting has been done slowly and carefully. Outboards should actually be "snapped" into gear to reduce wear from granny shifting. You neet to drop the lower unit, disassemble and check the clutch dog and gear mating surfaces. if the edges are not smooth and sharp then you will need to get them resurfaced, or replaced. Replacement is the more permanent solution.

 

[novicetech]

Re: 50 hp force wont shift into forward or reverse

Hannanball, The first thing I would check is the shift rod pin, the cotter pin may have come out. Does it make any kind of noises when you try to put it into gear?

 

[jhannan]

Re: 50 hp force wont shift into forward or reverse

Thanks Docdoc,<br /><br />The prop is definitley NOT spun. So it must be the clutch...Is this hard to disassemble? Do I need special tools? If I need a new clutch, are they easy to find? Please reply.<br /><br />Thanks again

 

[roscoe]

Re: 50 hp force wont shift into forward or reverse

Check the shift rod connections as novicetech suggested.<br /><br />Then remove the lower unit and try to engage the gears by manually moving the shift rod.<br /><br />And always post the motor info, model, year, etc, as different parts are used in different years.

 

[Docdoc]

Re: 50 hp force wont shift into forward or reverse

Hannan:<br />As I understand it, you are able to shift the motor into forward, neutral and reverse while it is off, but cannot get it into gear when it is running. You can check the shift rod connections as suggested, but I really think you have problems with the clutch dog and gears. You shouldn't need any really special tools, just a set of allen wrenches, sockets, SAE hand wrenches, normal stuff. You might want to get a clymer or seloc repair manual for your motor before you start.