force 125 removing lower gears-help

[pethia]

I have a 1985 Force 125. Motor runs great, but spun in reverse. I tried all of the typical adjustments with no success...leading me to believe the reverse dog ears are worn in the gearcase. I found a set of nice used gears on the net and am having them delivered any day now.

My problem is in removing the lower gearcase gears. So far, I have done fine and am the point at which I just removed the two half ring retainers. Is there a trick or a procedure to getting the shaft and gears to come out at this point?
Thanks,
John

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: force 125 removing lower gears-help

The reverse gear bearing carrier can be in tight. Since you have removed the half ring retainers, try pulling up hard on the prop shaft. If the whole reverse, bearing carrier, prop shaft, and dog clutch assembly does not come out, then use some long 5/16 all thread rod and pull out the bearing carrier. Once it is out the rest will come easily. You must remove the pinion gear to remove the forward gear.

And, of course, with the new gears, you must re-shim the lower unit.

Usually, drive dog wear will manifest as rattling or popping out of gear under load