1986 85 hp Force outboard---forward gear issues

[MattyGeorge]

Just purchased a great running, beautiful 1986 16 foot Bayliner Capri with an 85 hp Force motor.


Motor runs absolutely perfect, great compression on all 3 cylinders, and smooth as can be.....

Problem....first time out, runs great at low speed (no wake zone) for about 400 yards, then when I go to get up on step....it pops, grinds and even hops. Thinking that I didn't have it engaged completely in gear, I give it a few more tries...same thing!!

Reverse is fine through the entire range of rpm.

Now it won't go into forward at all!!

Got home, drained the gear case oil...it was a dark green (not milky/cloudy), but looked like metallic paint on a green car (small flecks of metal consistently throughout)

Assuming that was bad news, started to attempt to dig into the gearbox...yes, I even removed the pin that your not supposed to remove unless you want to dig into the lower unit.

After reading MANY posts, I am wandering if the problem was just a shifting rod adjustment issue??

How do I get that darned pin back in to find out??

Or should I just proceed to completely tear down the lower unit and assume that there is some parts needing replaced?

Thanks,


Matt George
Spirit Lake, Idaho

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 1986 85 hp Force outboard---forward gear issues

If you have taken the pin out???And moved ANYTHING!!!!Then 95% chance it needs to be taken apart.
That much shiny oil??Then sounds like forward gear is done.
If so any new gears need to be shimmed when assembled.
That requires special tools,start looking for a dealer who has tools.

 

[Jiggz]

Re: 1986 85 hp Force outboard---forward gear issues

With that metal filing or flakes in gear oil is a sure sign a gear or two needs to be replaced. You might as well do the entire job. Open and inspect and replace as required.

 

[MattyGeorge]

Re: 1986 85 hp Force outboard---forward gear issues

That is what I figured, just wishful thinking...

I'll tear into it and see what damage has been done, then get ahold of the local shop for parts.

Thanks,

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 1986 85 hp Force outboard---forward gear issues

If the gears or drive dogs are worn to the point of needing replacement---Don't bother! It will be more cost effective to buy a good used lower unit on craigs or ebay.

 

[MattyGeorge]

Re: 1986 85 hp Force outboard---forward gear issues

Any opinion on using used parts to replace???

The local shop has the same lower unit with good parts but cracked case. May be able to buy the entire thing for 1/2 the cost of buying new parts.

Use the good stuff from both and go??

(new gasket set would be used, of course)

Thanks,

Matt George