1978 Chrysler 25hp - Clutchdog questions

[JC1972]

Hello all,

My 1978 25hp seems to have a worn clutchdog. Here is why I believe so:

1.) runs smooth and consistent in Neutral.
2.) runs smooth and consistent in Reverse.
3.) acts like I'm hitting rocks with the prop in forward, at any throttle level and very intermittent.

the above testing done in a 55 gallon drum.

In a previous post, some of you had pointed me to the clutchdog as the culprit.

My questions are:

1.) In trying to keep it simple, is it possible that shift linkages or adjustments to the gear selector could cause it not to be fully in gear and that be the problem? If it's possible, how can one check? (I bring this up as this motor ran great for me without a hitch for well over 2 hours and then started acting this way.)

2.) If it is a worn clutchdog and needs replaced, anybody know where to find one? Can the existing one be 'reworked' or even reversed so that it acts a little silly in reverse but is good in forward gear?

3.) If the clutchdog is rounded off causing this problem, does that mean that whatever it mates with is also worn and needs replaced?

thanks guys, you have all helped me tremendously already and without this site and you people as a resource, I would have given up on this project.

~JC

 

[fucawi]

Re: 1978 Chrysler 25hp - Clutchdog questions

you need to check the linkage first...visual check at the top end for play...you dont say if its on remotes or the rotating engine mounted change ,,,,First thing is to check the cam at the top of the shift rod is going all the way to the top indent ( three indents F N R ) these indents and nylon ball hold it in gear ..check for wear and slop ..if its not comming fully up you need to adjust your cables. if it is going to the top notch then you need to look at the adjuster behind the leg covers ...these are a pig design and access is poor as the rear piece wont come off ..undo the lock nut and raise the lower section in 1/2 turn increments checking F N R as you go ...if that does not cure it its a dog clutch job.

 

[JC1972]

Re: 1978 Chrysler 25hp - Clutchdog questions

My fault for not mentioning, this motor is a tiller handle. The gear selector lever on the front is and has always been, very stiff and spongy. No positive stopping or positive feel to it at all. Are all the Chrysler tiller handles this way? It takes me 2 hands to effectively bring it in and out of gear.

 

[fucawi]

Re: 1978 Chrysler 25hp - Clutchdog questions

well follow the linkage ..behind the starter motor is the sement with three holes for the detent ball ...if thats not holding it or nuts been tightened too much ...maybe to keep it in gear ..parts I refer to are 30 31 and 25

 

[JC1972]

Re: 1978 Chrysler 25hp - Clutchdog questions

Thanks Fucawi for the advice. I played around with the shift rod adjustment from one extreme to the other. No difference. It still thumps in forward. Looks like the clutchdog R&R is inevitable.

Question: Is it standard procedure when you replace a clutchdog to also replace forward gear as well or is the clutchdog intentionally softer metal made to be the 'wear part'?

Thanks
~JC

 

[fucawi]

Re: 1978 Chrysler 25hp - Clutchdog questions

ask frank he is the gear box expert (x is unknown and a spert is a drip under pressure ..xpert)

 

[Nordin]

Re: 1978 Chrysler 25hp - Clutchdog questions

My experience is that the edges on the gears are worn too and to be really sure is to changes them. Maybee you can try to machine it, but then you need to harden the surface. If not you will be back at squear one again in a short time.

 

[JC1972]

Re: 1978 Chrysler 25hp - Clutchdog questions

Thanks for the info guys.

I found a place in Michigan that has a set of them. He wants me to ship mine to him so he can match them up to be sure. Does $130 sound like a fair price for clutchdog and forward gear?

~JC

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 1978 Chrysler 25hp - Clutchdog questions

130 is very good for a new clutch and forward gear. Used? I don't know. I buy whole 25s for that price and less. 'Smatter of fact, I do have a couple of gearsets in the garage.

You can open the lower unit and eyeball the forward gear. Sometimes the dogs are worn too badly along with the clutch dogs to mate well. If the forward gear dogs are in relatively good condition, not excessively worn or rounded, then, yes, you can simply reverse the dog clutch and get more life out of it.

You can also use a Dremel with a carbide bit and grind away the worn areas on the clutch and gear dogs. You need to be patient and accurate though.

So now you know, and the choice of the three options is yours. before you do anything though, post a couple of photos.

And yes, most Chrysler tiller models I have seen are miserable to shift into and out of gear. The linkage is so complex and sloppy that they just don't seem to shift well. You should check for dried grease and binding though.

 

[JC1972]

Re: 1978 Chrysler 25hp - Clutchdog questions

I will dissassemble it in the next few days and send pics. Frank, if you have the parts and wish to sell them, I would rather buy from you. It would be the least I could do given all the help you offer for free on a daily basis through this forum. Thanks again.

~JC