Re: 40hp '94 Force Lower Unit Keeps stripping gears
When I have a Force come in with the symptoms that you are describing I will instantly check the shift cable for routing, stretch and adjustment. We will then check the shift for proper adjustment by unhooking the cable and manually shifting the unit into forward gear, place a mark even with the case, then shift into reverse gear, put a mark with the case, and then place a mark midway between the two and check to see if this is, in fact, a "quiet neutral", no clicking etc. If it is not then there is a problem in the gearcase.
Force shifting, by design, uses the OUTER casing (if you will) of the cable to activate the shift arm. Unlike most other outboards that have the outer casing locked in place and the motion is carried through the cable itself, Force locks the cable and the shifter movement causes the outer casing to pull or push on the shift lever. This outer casing MUST be able to move freely and STAY where it is put or you will not maintain enough pressure on the shift mechanism in the gearcase to hold the clutch dog against the gear. When I see people have zip tied their cable together to make it "look nice" I instantly get out the cutters and remove them. Force is so sensitive to this that my personal fishing boat has a force 125 on it that if trimmed up too far will not allow the cable to move smoothly enough to make it go into gear without ratcheting and then thumping into gear.
You must find the cause or you are not fixing the problem.
That said, since you have adjusted it to the point of full forward and nor reverse, I would begin at the yoke, making sure it is seated properly in the shift arm and remove the pin that retains the shift arm and carefully inspect it for cracks (this a known problem that does occur) make sure the thrust washers are where they belong also.
One other thing to check. With the shift cable disconnected back at the motor and the shifter in neutral, hold the outer casing and push and pull on the cable, there should be MINIMAL play in the cable/shifter if there is a lot of play I would begin by finding out if the shifter is worn out.
Sorry it got a little long here but, as you have found out, just adjusting,adjusting, adjusting will not fix it. Hope I helped give you some direction.
When I have a Force come in with the symptoms that you are describing I will instantly check the shift cable for routing, stretch and adjustment. We will then check the shift for proper adjustment by unhooking the cable and manually shifting the unit into forward gear, place a mark even with the case, then shift into reverse gear, put a mark with the case, and then place a mark midway between the two and check to see if this is, in fact, a "quiet neutral", no clicking etc. If it is not then there is a problem in the gearcase.
Force shifting, by design, uses the OUTER casing (if you will) of the cable to activate the shift arm. Unlike most other outboards that have the outer casing locked in place and the motion is carried through the cable itself, Force locks the cable and the shifter movement causes the outer casing to pull or push on the shift lever. This outer casing MUST be able to move freely and STAY where it is put or you will not maintain enough pressure on the shift mechanism in the gearcase to hold the clutch dog against the gear. When I see people have zip tied their cable together to make it "look nice" I instantly get out the cutters and remove them. Force is so sensitive to this that my personal fishing boat has a force 125 on it that if trimmed up too far will not allow the cable to move smoothly enough to make it go into gear without ratcheting and then thumping into gear.
You must find the cause or you are not fixing the problem.
That said, since you have adjusted it to the point of full forward and nor reverse, I would begin at the yoke, making sure it is seated properly in the shift arm and remove the pin that retains the shift arm and carefully inspect it for cracks (this a known problem that does occur) make sure the thrust washers are where they belong also.
One other thing to check. With the shift cable disconnected back at the motor and the shifter in neutral, hold the outer casing and push and pull on the cable, there should be MINIMAL play in the cable/shifter if there is a lot of play I would begin by finding out if the shifter is worn out.
Sorry it got a little long here but, as you have found out, just adjusting,adjusting, adjusting will not fix it. Hope I helped give you some direction.
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