FWD/REV linkage Adjustment Questions- HELP!

[mshiff62]

I have a 1987 Force 15hp and I took the lower unit off and I think that I may have adjusted the shift linkage wrong. Anyway, spent about an hour adjusting it all different ways, I finally have it where it seems right, it will go into FWD and lock in and it will turn the prop clockwise with pressure against it, neutral is good, but then when I put it in reverse and spin the flywheel theres no pressure against the prop. Anyone have any experience with this or know if it will only go into reverse if it is running? I have tirelessly researched and came up empty handed. Anyone with any experience or input will be greatly appreciated! I have put a lot of time, money, and work into getting this motor going again and this is the last straw to complete it so I can see if it will run.

Thanks!

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: FWD/REV linkage Adjustment Questions- HELP!

There is really not much to it. The shift mechanism is a stepped cam on the shift rod. The internals are spring loaded to bear on the cam. Centering the cam up and down detents into the middle of the cam and gives neutral. pulling up sets into the lowest notch on the cam and gives forward. ALL the way down sets the highest land on the cam and gives reverse.

NOW: It will take a little trial and error because the lower unit must be in position to test. There is a LOT of compliance in the shift linkage and reverse takes the most force to get so obviously it is the most difficult. FIRST, Check to be certain that the shift linkage inside the cowl is not binding. Also check that the neutral interlock link is not binding--this is connected to the linkage and can stiop correct functioning.

If there is no binding of any sort, Put the lower unit, while mounted on the engine in neutral. Then remove the bolts holding the lower unit. Wiggle it down to see if indeed it is in the neutral detent. Linkage inside the engine should move some. If not properly detented, remove the bolt holding the two shift rods together and screw OUT the lower rod about 1 turn. Do this until you can reliably get reverse. If it louses up forward, then you have binding in the shift linkage inside the engine cowl.