Hustler Trouble

[Bclark75]

Last year I purchased a pontoon boat that has a 1975 75hp Evinrude Hustler motor. The motor runs great but at the end of the season (fortunately) I shifted into reverse and it stuck there. I finally got a round to playing with it yesterday and found that if I tip the motor up it shifts to forward, neutral, and reverse just fine. When I tip it down to it's running position when you shift to reverse it sticks. I have a manual that shows me how to remove the lower unit, but it's raining today I'm not going to pull it, but before I do, any ideas on where and what the problem is? Is this common for this engine?

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Hustler Trouble

More likely you have a shift CABLE problem.

Dis-connect the shift cable and shift the linkage by hand, does it shift correctly?

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Hustler Trouble

Also try spinning the prop by hand when you manually shift the gear. Motors like to be idling when the gears are shifted.

 

[Bclark75]

Re: Hustler Trouble

When I disconnect the linkage and shift by hand the shift rod seems to move up and down normally, but it won't shift out of reverse unless the motor is tipped up, then it seems to shift in and out of gear fine. I just tried turning the prop by hand while I shifted and it's the same thing. I at least know know it is shifting from forward to reverse because direction of the flywheel changes. What really puzzles me is why will it shift if the engine is tipped up and not down? Another thing is too, any advice on disconnecting the shift rod? I can barley see the screw let alone get a wrench in there to loosen it.

 

[Bclark75]

Re: Hustler Trouble

I case anyone is interested, I pulled the lower unit apart and found that the shifter shaft was broken at the retaining pin hole, so when the motor was tipped up gravity allowed the shift clutch dog to move back and forth, but when the engine was tipped down (running position) the broken shaft would separate and leave the unit stuck in gear.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Hustler Trouble

Glad you found it.

I was looking at the parts view in attempt to solve your puzzle, but didn't have any ideas short of opening the case as you have done.

Congrats'

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Hustler Trouble

Good info and thanks for posting back.