1976 85hp FWD/REV issues.

[CatfishBanditSC]

I bought the boat last summer and was told it had issues with rev, so I knew what I was getting into.

Ok, since I bought the boat it shifts perfectly into foward and runs strong and when I shift it into reverse, it barely moves. No clicking or anything, just barely moves. Adding throttle does nothing but revs the engine.

After adjusting the shifter cables, I got the opposite effect, all reverse, little to no forward. If I try to get it in the middle, I get neither forward or reverse.

Im not very familiar with the control unit and have not tried any adjustments there.

I really need to get back out on the lake, but now it is too cold to get in the water and load by hand.

Thank you all.

 

[F_R]

Certainly sounds like excessive slop or lost motion somewhere in the shift control or linkage. Strange though that it doesn't grind and chatter as it "barely moves".

 

[racerone]

Drain the oil and see what comes out.--------That may be an " oil pressure assisted " mechanical shift.--------May need to look at the shift servo unit.

 

[CatfishBanditSC]

Drain the oil and see what comes out.--------That may be an " oil pressure assisted " mechanical shift.--------May need to look at the shift servo unit.

I changed the oil in the lower unit before taking it out this year. There was no abnormal material or burnt smell.

Where can I find information on the shift servo?

How do I know if it has an hydraulic shift assist?

 

[CatfishBanditSC]

Certainly sounds like excessive slop or lost motion somewhere in the shift control or linkage. Strange though that it doesn't grind and chatter as it "barely moves".

I have been on the lake and adjusted it too much and got slamming reaction. But no grinding of gears.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Possible a minor mis-adjustment of the shift cable inside the lower cowling of the engine. You can probably adjust this yourself, as this is a consumer type adjustment. Disconnect the shift cable. Start the engine on the trailer and garden hose. Shift the shift lever by hand. If the engine shifts normally by hand, that's good. Turn the engine off and leave the shift cable in neutral. Put the control box in neutral and the work on the engine end of the shift cable. Set it so that the cable end perfectly matches the shift cable lever stud. You may have to turn the shift cable thumbscrew until you get the cable end to perfectly match the shift lever stud. Then tighten everything down.