have forward gear...now i don't...now i do...what the?

[jaycafe]

I have a 1991 50 hp force. The forward shift will not work properly...., it will shift into gear (forward), then when u go back into neutral, it won't shift into forward. It acts like its in neutral (fast idle). Going into reverse works fine-no probs. There are no grinding noises or funny sounds, it just sounds like it can't find the gear.This just happened after a fine day of boating.
Please help.

 

[Firemedic09]

Re: have forward gear...now i don't...now i do...what the?

how is the linkage? if you were greasing everything like you are supposed to, is it possible that maybe you loosened the linkage without thinking about it? how old is this linage? you could also have a problem with the clutch in the lower unit. you should probably check the linkage first. if it is loose then try to tighten it up.

 

[jaycafe]

Re: have forward gear...now i don't...now i do...what the?

linkage is all good. dropping the lower unit tonite.

 

[john from md]

Re: have forward gear...now i don't...now i do...what the?

Before dropping the lower, check that the cable is rigged properly. If it isn't, you may not be getting all the way in gear.

John

 

[jaycafe]

Re: have forward gear...now i don't...now i do...what the?

Dropped the lower unit and nothing but water in there. No gear oil at all (gear oil was added 2 trips ago). Wow. All the parts in there look good though.

 

[jaycafe]

Re: have forward gear...now i don't...now i do...what the?

Let me throw this out there:
1) On the lower unit case, there seams to be a "drilled hole" about 1/8" near one of the main lower unit bolts, through the case, into the upper shaft chamber. Um...never seen this before. Don't think it's supposed to be there. Should i plug it? Any thoughts??
2) With the lower unit off....there is a notch in the casing between the exhaust chamber and the shaft chamber (at the impeller). I can't tell if this notch is "factory" applied or not. Any thoughts??
3) I'm going to get a lower unit seal kit and hope this helps with the "water in the gear oil" prob.

 

[john from md]

Re: have forward gear...now i don't...now i do...what the?

There are two of those holes on the left side of the cavitation plate of my Force 85. I assume they are there to equalize pressure in the leg.

Make sure you clean any corrosion off of the shafts so that the new seals don't get damaged also.


Regards,

John