I think I took out the wrong screw out on lower unit.

[cyroute]

Sorry guys new to all this. I went to change the gear oil in my force 85 and took the recessed screw out on the side of the bottom of the unit instead of the allen wrench one all the way at the bottom which seems to be stripped a little and I didn't want to mess with it. I did get about a quart or so of oil out that look like it was brand new. did I take the wrong screw out ? I put it back in and the prop will not turn. I didn't try to start it or anything yet... Please say i'm ok?

Thanks,

Joe

 

[cyroute]

Re: I think I took out the wrong screw out on lower unit.

ok things went from kinda bad to worse I put the screw back in and read somewhere to make sure its really tight so i went to tighten it and it went about four turns so i went to snug it up some more and it just started turning the strange thing is it won't come out or go in anymore it just turns in either direction without doing anything. I tried getting it out but it won't come back out no matter what I do. now i know i'm screwed...

Thanks,

Joe

 

[Stavie]

Re: I think I took out the wrong screw out on lower unit.

Ok you cyroute you may have made a big boo boo . I hate to be the one to say it but since it happened to me I felt I should at least help you out. Now if you did in fact remove the Phillips head screw on the bottom front right side of the L/U and remove it completely ouch. That screw is they pivot point

http://www.ishopmarine.com/ishop/js...&isForSupStore=false&cCatFilter=&eCatSupFldr=

Number 32.

Anyhow to the point that screw lets the shift lever pivot and slide the dog gear back and forth. If it has fallen off you can line it up but the it might have slipped of the slide I'm referring to part number 19 on the above link . You may have to have the L/U taken apart by a mechanic and resembled , there are a few specialized tools you need to do such a repair. I can walk you through it if you do decided to take this project on. send me a pm if you have any specific questions I be happy to answer them good luck .

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: I think I took out the wrong screw out on lower unit.

If you over tightened the screw and it stripped the threads!!! OH NO!!!!
You will possibly have to get a new housing.At the least you will have to dismantle the lower and try to heli-coil it.(i'd start lookin for a new housing)
Jerry

 

[Jack Daniels]

Re: I think I took out the wrong screw out on lower unit.

Since you probably have to get a new housing you might as well look on ebay for a used lower unit with everything correct. Will cost you less to do that then to pay a mechanic to rebuild. Save the old one for parts if necessary, good luck.

 

[byacey]

Re: I think I took out the wrong screw out on lower unit.

It wouldn't be hard to retap the hole one size bigger and machine a new pin from a stainless bolt.

 

[cyroute]

Re: I think I took out the wrong screw out on lower unit.

Well I want to thank everyone for the advice. I was able to find a motor locally that has a bad cylinder but the rest is in good shape. He will give it to me for 200.00 plus he has some other parts he is going the throw in. I found out my motor is a 1988 and the forsale is a 1989 so they should swap. I also got some advice to just put a plastic cover over the screw and then some jb weld or other epoxy in the hole and let it be for now. I think I'm going to try that and then deal with the lower unit swap later. The Screw is still in place and as far as I can tell I stripped just the casing. The screw is still in one piece it does offer resistance when I try to turn it with a screw driver so it?s not like its just floating in there.

Thanks,

Joe