1990 Enivrude prop issues w/ impeller change

[grstahm]

I have a 1990 25hp Evinrude that I just completed an impeller change on. After getting everything back together I noticed it was very hard to turn prop in neutral. It turns very hard than becomes free for a 1/4 turn and than becomes extremely hard to turn again. I dropped the lower again and everything spins as it should. I'm able to get the shaft back in at forward, reverse and neutral but all leads to very hard prop turn in neutral. Also when shifting it feels like its not shifting correctly. Now I haven't put lower oil in it because im afraid I will have to drop it again. Would no lower oil be the reason I'm having these issues? I would say im not engaging shaft in correct gear but I have tried all of them. I have read its suppose to go back in the same gear it came out in which is neutral. I also read it can kick out when dropping lower that's why I tried forward, reverse and neutral. Any help would be great.

 

[sutor623]

Sounds like your lower unit is actually in reverse when the selector is in neutral. Is this a tiller steer or remote motor? I cant remember which shift shaft this uses, do you have to unscrew the coupler after you drop the lower unit a few inches? Of is there a screw right under the powerhead to release the shift shaft?

 

[jakedaawg]

I think you need to fill it with oil while it is not installed. Manully shift by raising and lowering the shaft, neutral is the middle position. Should spin freely in neutral, after you have verified that it works fine while not installed you will know that the trouble lies in hooking up the shift rod while reattaching to the boat. You can install lowers filled with oil.

 

[racerone]

THere is no need to drain the oil to change the impeller.-----------Remove the lower unit.-------Turn the lower shift rod all the way in and re-assemble.---------Make sure the lower shift rod is not turned while tightening the coupling nuts !.

 

[grstahm]

Its the coupler type shift rod on a remote motor

So i just make sure its screwed all the way down and make sure it's not turning when tightening the coupling nuts?- Should I be reinstalling lower after doing this in neutral?

 

[racerone]

It does not matter what gear it is in when you you take it apart or re-install !!