Force 50 won't shift to reverse or neutral

[MJS001]

Hi All - I have a problem that just happened recently - I can't shift to neutral or reverse. The motor remains engaged in forward position. Also, it lets me start the engine in that position! I read on an earlier post:

Try to move the shift linkage by hand, then spin the prop(forward gear will spin one way easily with an auidible click,
neutral will spin both ways freely with no click, reverse will spin opposite direction from forward with auidible click)

But when I do this in forward or reverse or neutral the prop does not do this (i.e., spin freely) and is always engaged to the engine. I know this because when I move the prop by hand in either direction the fly wheel at the top of the engine moves - and it does not matter whether I am in forward/reverse/neutral. I see the shift rod going into the lower unit moving when I manually move the linkage. I also followed instructions on another post that had me dis-engage the shift linkage and manually push the control all the way forward (and mark position on shift rod), then all the way back (and mark it again) and then mark the mid point between these 2 marks. This is where neutral should be - and that is where I see it when using the shifter.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

Michael

 

[Jiggz]

Re: Force 50 won't shift to reverse or neutral

First you need to verify if the lower half shift rod is even connected to the shifting yoke. You can do this by disconnecting the lower and upper shift rod apart. Move the lower shift rod up or down to see if it engages and disengages the gear (by turning the prop). If not, then either the yoke is disconnected or the rod is improperly set. You will have to do an open and inspect of the shift rod and yoke.

 

[MJS001]

Re: Force 50 won't shift to reverse or neutral

OK, I will try that as soon as I can get back to the boat. Thanks very much for your response!

M