Evinrude 85 stuck in forward gear

[Brettjod]

Hello. I have a 1976 Evinrude 85 hp outboard. Model# 85693g. When I was on the water a couple weeks ago my engine decided to get stuck in forward. I could not get it to shift into neutral or reverse. I unhooked the cables and the controls moved smoothly from forward to reverse. I have since dropped the lower leg. I can turn the prop both directions but turning in reverse is a bit harder. I have started to disassemble the lower leg to try and find my problem. I have it tore down so I can see the forward gear and was in the process of trying to get the shift assist cylinder out. According the Seloc manual I should be able to pop it out and the shaft at the same time. The push rod for the shifter moves up and down but a very small amount but I cant pull it out. Wondering if anyone has some tips for me or has any idea what might be my issue. I will include a couple pictures. Thanks in advance.

 

[racerone]

Remove pinion nut and the driveshaft first.-----The propeller shaft and shift servo cylinder come out at the same time.-------Pull propshaft out while pulling up out the shift servo assembly.

 

[Brettjod]

Reading through the manual it says you don't have to take the drive shaft off since the forward gear is not secured to the prop shaft. Also the clutch dog is right below the pinion nut.

 

[racerone]

Do it the way you like then.----Driveshaft should be removed to replace pinion bearing while you are at it.

 

[Brettjod]

I'm pretty sure I cant take the pinion nut off with the prop shaft in the way but my problem is I can't get the shift rod to move at all.

 

[racerone]

Bring it over I fix for you then !-------You can take the pinion nut off with propshaft in the way.-----That is done every day mate.

 

[Brettjod]

I dont need the pinion gear out of the way. The clutch dog is directly below it anyway. I need the shift rod out not the drive shaft

 

[racerone]

Good luck with your project.---I say it should be easy !

 

[Brettjod]

It should be easy but the shift rod is stuck somehow and won't pull out like it should.

 

[Brettjod]

Well i guess ill have to talk to a boat mechanic and probably take it in. I've tried everything I could and that would fit in that small area to try and pop out the assisit clyinder and shift rod but it will only move up and down a small about. It won't move any more than an 1/8" each way.