1989 force 85 wont shift and stuck in gear

[nhogan171]

I recently purchaced this motor to replace my old motor and when I went to look at it it ran great but the seller did not have the controlls hooked up and I didn't manually check shifting, (I know big mistake) I installed the motor and controls on my boat and fired it up Once again runs great! But the shift indicator at the neutral switch in in neutral and the motor is in gear moving the shifter does nothing to change that. I checked the shift coupler where you disconnect to remove the lower unit and it is fine and moves up and down when the shifter is moved. Not sure where to go next I would assume that the problem is in the lower unit but not sure what Im getting myself into or where to start. We own and auto repair shop and am good at working on cars/trucks but I am not an outboard mechanic. Thanks In advance

Nick

 

[pnwboat]

Re: 1989 force 85 wont shift and stuck in gear

Sounds like maybe the linkage inside the gear case that moves the clutch dog is disconnected. Only way to find out is to take the lower unit off the motor and take it apart and check it out.

Not uncommon for someone to remove the gear shift pivot pin on the lower unit by mistake thinking it's the drain plug. Once that happens, it's not likely that the linkage stays in place so when you re-insert the pin the gear shift lever no longer works. If you take the gear case apart, you might also consider getting a gear case seal kit and replacing them.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 1989 force 85 wont shift and stuck in gear

You may not necessarily have a problem: Many of these engines will spin the prop in neutral (in the driveway on muffs) because of the thickness of the lower unit oil. This will not affect the operation under load in the water. SO: First thing you want to check is with the engine OFF, Cycle from neutral to forward to neutral, and reverse. See if the prop lock-up in each gear and spins freely in forward.

If it does not go into either gear then it is time to check further.