Hydro-Mechanical Lower Questions

[Saberdyne]

Hey experts! So yes I have the "dreaded" hydro-mechanical drive.

So, it is. While removing the outdrive from the boat it apparently got shifted into reverse. (one of the original issues with this boat was weak reverse as reported by the P.O.) I popped the shift cap off to make sure to reset the shift cable according to specs. This shift cable looks practically brand new, not nicks or chaffing on the outer sleeve and the cable is shiny. This is when I noticed that the toothed shaft was all the way up. I with the drive drained, I can't seem to get it out of reverse and back into neutral so that I can properly install the shift cap and cable. I would assume that I'd need to have the drive spinning and oil in it, correct?

I am trying to keep from tearing down the rest of the lower as the drained oil looked good so if anyone has any input on this, it would be great. So far, solving the issues on this boat one at a time and making progress. Thanks in advance!!

 

[jim tubbe]

You need some help. Start by making a wooden fixture to hold the lower unit vertical, then attach a electric drill to the input shaft to make the lower unit run as if it was in your boat. then you can pull the toothed shaft up and down easily. You then install the shift cap so you have the right length of cable afterwards. Continue testing the lower units shifting by just pulling on the cables. Play around with it and make sure it shifts, doesn't lock up on you and has no oil leaks. Only then install it back on your boat, Consider installing a twin engine binnacle at the helm and cutting a slot on the bottom of the shift converter to give more "throw" on your shift cables.