1993 Force 90hp

[asgreen0875]

Hey guys, I'm new to the group and new to outboard motors. I just bought this 1993 Rinker Captiva 170 with a 1993 Force 90hp. She ran great when she was running. I had her out twice and both times purred like a kitten. Except the last time we were out, we boated for a few hours and then stopped to anchor for a couple hours. When we went to leave she fired right up but I couldn't get it into forward gear for the life of me. Now the shifter and cables were very old so I replaced the cables and the shifter itself thinking it was the problem. Nope, got everything done today and same problem. I don't know what to do next. I'm super frustrated and desperately need help. Nobody around here will work on it (Columbus, Ohio). Please help. I have been a machinist for over 25 years so I'm not a dumbass and do know some things but I just don't know what to do from here. I've replaced the starter, impeller, cables, battery, and the shifter itself. I'm stumped.

 

[Nordin]

Can you shift it with the remote cables unhooked?
Shift by hand at engine with the shift lever. You have to rotate the propeller when shifting by hand otherwise you may damage the shift rod/linkage.

 

[asgreen0875]

Can you shift it with the remote cables unhooked?
Shift by hand at engine with the shift lever. You have to rotate the propeller when shifting by hand otherwise you may damage the shift rod/linkage.

I removed the lower unit last night. The lower shifts just fine. The problem lies between where the cable hooks up and where the lower hooks up. No I can't shift it with the cable unhooked. I don't have a clue what to do from here. Thank you for your response. Please continue to help.

 

[asgreen0875]

I removed the lower unit last night. The lower shifts just fine. The problem lies between where the cable hooks up and where the lower hooks up. No I can't shift it with the cable unhooked. I don't have a clue what to do from here. Thank you for your response. Please continue to help.

I'm sorry, it does go in reverse and neutral but not forward when shifting at the motor, cable unhooked.

 

[Nordin]

With the LU off the engine you can shift it F-N-R?
But when the shift rod upper connected you do not get forward?
Is that right?
Measure the total stroke of the shift rod from forward to reverse with LU off and then check the stroke with the LU mounted on the midleg.

 

[asgreen0875]

The LU by itself shifts fine. I think I found the problem. There seems to be a bolt wedged under the linkage deep in the center of the upper part of the engine. Will update shortly if this fixes the problem.

 

[asgreen0875]

Update!!! So after taking the lower off, completely removing everything I just put on in order to trace where the problem was, I found a stupid bolt that had come loose from the power head, fallen down to the base of the motor and lodged itself under the linkage bracket. Unbelievable. Pulled it out and everything is back to normal. Got it all put back together, throttle and shifter adjusted, she runs like a champ again. Thank you to everyone who offered me any help or advice. This is an awesome group.