1988 8hp grinding at top of shaft when shifting

[dddy1st]

I have searched the forums and haven't found this issue mentioned, so i'm afraid this can't be good. When I twist the tiller into reverse, there is a very concerning grinding that occurs at the top of the shaft. I'm assuming this is occurring where the shaft splines enter the motor or flywheel...i don't actually know what it goes into..... I'm not sure if the shift linkage has anything to do with this. I have removed the lower end, and the splines at the top of the shaft are perfect. With the motor at idle, if I shift slowly into reverse, it will grind constantly until I twist it hard into gear. If i turn the tiller very fast and hard, I can shift without any grind, but I'm certain this won't last long if I don't fix the problem.

Anyone have an idea what I can do to correct this?

 

[racerone]

Outboard motors must be shifted --QUICKLY----to prevent damage to clutch dog and gears !!!--------------------Do not ease them into gear.

 

[roscoe]

Welcome to iboats dddy.

Just a little info for you.


On outboard motors, the driveshaft is spinning at all times when the motor is running.
The shifting mechanism is inside the gearcase (lower unit).

When you shift, shift quickly, snap it into gear.
If you try to ease it into gear, the gears only rub up against each other and round off the corners of the gears.

When you round off the gears, it will not go into gear, or stay in gear. Then you will have to replace or repair the gears and clutchdog.

Happy boating.

 

[racerone]

The gears , pinion / forward / reverse are spinning and meshed when the engine is running !----The stationary clutch dog is moved to engage a spinning gear , either forward or reverse..----That is why shifting should be done quicly

 

[dddy1st]

Thank you for the responses. From your responses it sounds like what i am hearing is actually occurring in the lower end and the sound must be traveling up the shaft. That's good news.
I understand the need to shift quickly, that makes total sense. It is getting more difficult to get it into reverse without it grinding into gear, so there must be some kind of adjustment that can be done. Or worse, something is wearing out, like the clutch, which I assume can wear out like a in a manual transmission.

 

[dddy1st]

BTW... I have to give kudos to IBoats and Solas for my recent prop purchase. I replaced my prop with a new Solas aluminum one back in June. Freakishly, the hub spun out of the rubber bushing with only a couple hours and not a scratch on it. Solas apologized and approved the return in one day. Iboats overnighted me a new prop which arrived in time for me to take my boys on the water today! All I have to say is...wow.

 

[racerone]

Have you checked lower unit oil ?----Any water in the gear oil ?