Chrysler 55hp doesn't shift

[self234]

I have a Chrysler 55hp electric Model #555HC serial #1293. It's on 1971 chrysler tri hull 15ft.. ( I think the motor is newer than the boat) with Chrysler single lever control. I started hearing a tap when shifting into 1st. As the day progressed more tapping and not going in all the time befor throatal starting to engage and rev. every now and then it will catch and pop out. With the motor off it engages fully at not quite a 3rd throatal. some tapping sound while going into revese . New to outboards,any help appreciated

 

[scotiany]

Re: Chrysler 55hp doesn't shift

Just going by the model no., I'd say your engine is a 1971 model. You're supposed to put engine into gear quickly. DO NOT ease throttle in. I would first drain and reservice your lower unit. If that doesn't fix it, you're going to need to adjust the linkage on the engine. It's fairly simple if you have the manual. If all else fails, you probably will need to disassemble lower unit and replace or reverse the clutch dog(reversing it should work). There may be wear on forward gear but, reversing the clutch dog should really improve your shifting.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Chrysler 55hp doesn't shift

Disconnet your spark plugs as a safety measure. Put your shift lever dead center in the neutral position. You should have someone else help you with this part. Turn your prop by hand and it should move freely with no clicking. IF it clicks or does not turn you will need to adjust the linkage adjustment nut located behind the motor side covers. Once it is adjusted so that there is no clicking have someone slowly move the shift lever forward while you are spinning the prop with your finger. As soon as it locks and is no longer clicking look at the position on the shifer. You should still have a little room to move the shifter forward at this point. Do the same for reverse. Prop will have to be spun backwards for this part. You want to get the forward and reverse locking position as centered on the shift lever as you can and also maintain neutral at the same time.<br /><br />When you drain your lower unit collect the first few drops of oil in a tiny dish. Run your finger through this oil and see if you find any metal filings or bits of metal. If you do you have somthing grinding in your lower unit and will probably have to do as Scotiany says and replace the gears in the lower unit. If oil is clean and no metal the gears should be fine. Hopefully it is just an adjustment to the shift linkage<br /><br />Good Luck

 

[self234]

Re: Chrysler 55hp doesn't shift

Thanks Scotiany and Eurolarva<br /><br /> I tried what you suggested . It went into gear in both forward and reverse fine and the adjustments look good as far as I can tell. No metal filing in oil. (It was my 1st trip out this summer and I had changed the oil befor I took it out )Guess I buy a manual and start learning about outboard engines. Thanks for your time and advice. <br /> John

 

[guilletvm]

Re: Chrysler 55hp doesn't shift

I am having the EXACT same problem with a 1985 50 HP Force. Let me know what you find and maybe it will work for me too. I have a feeling mine is the clutchdog, but hopefully it will just be the linkage.