LU drain screw isn't the LU drain screw, is it???

[datastream]

1985 Force 85 - S/N - 856X6L

OK, I think I really messed up here. To be sure, the screw on the lower/boat-end of the LU isn't used to drain the LU fluid is it?? (Pic 1)

It's the set screw on the very bottom of the LU, correct? (Pic 2)

Because...(ya'll are waaay ahead of me aren't you?) now I can't change gears. i was puzzled when I couldn't get the "drain plug screw" back in after draining. Something was in the way. After fiddling with the gear selector up front, the obstruction magically disappeared and i could get the screw back in.

I thought all was well until I fired the motor for final test before hitting the lake and discovered the prop spinning in neutral. I tried to move the selector a little thinking it was barely in gear. No change. Moved it all the way in reverse, prop continued to spin in forward.

So...how screwed am I? I've read a few posts saying more or less that it's a nightmare to get it right again.

1. - If I have to disassemble the dam LU, I'd need new gaskets to put it back together, right?

2. - How many special tools will I need to do this? Or, is it a matter of just popping the top of the LU and reaching in and handling?

3. - Would it be better/faster for a real marine mechanic to do it?

4. - Yes, I know I need a manual but please help me through this. I'm working on it.... I promise. : )

 

[wlg]

Re: LU drain screw isn't the LU drain screw, is it???

The set screw is for draining the LU. The screw you removed is for the gear linkage. The manual I have says never remove this screw or you will have to disassemble the LU to make it right again.

I can't help you with your problem but, others here will point you in the right direction. The best advise is to get a manual and when in doubt ask questions.

Good luck with your situation and hope you get back on the water soon.

 

[Aggitated]

Re: LU drain screw isn't the LU drain screw, is it???

Don't feel bad I did the same thing. I played around with it and managed to get the threads started without pulling the lower unit, took about and hour. Good luck.

 

[datastream]

Re: LU drain screw isn't the LU drain screw, is it???

I'm following this thread right now..."slick trick for installing gear shift arm"

But, I can't seem to find the little piece that goes into the fork. I've drained the LU, flipped it upside down, stuck a magnet down in it. nothing.

Is there a chance mine doesn't have that little piece? Best I can tell how the fork works, I'm pretty sure its supposed to be there.

I'll keep looking....

 

[foodfisher]

Re: LU drain screw isn't the LU drain screw, is it???

You're screwed! Frank A. may have a post here about how to do it. I think your next investment is going to be an OEM manual.

 

[datastream]

Re: LU drain screw isn't the LU drain screw, is it???

I found it, frickin A!

Ok, moving on ...

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: LU drain screw isn't the LU drain screw, is it???

The saddle or small yoke that fits in the groove in the shift shaft is usually brass and a magnet will not retrieve it--unless it is one of the uncommon steel ones (they did make both). It is probably "glued" to the inside by residual lower unit oil. Thump the lower unit on the ground at the front of the cone then turn it upside-down and thump it untill the yoke falls out. Perchance--did the yoke fall out without you seeing it? Check and double check the arear where you were working.

 

[datastream]

Re: LU drain screw isn't the LU drain screw, is it???

Problem fixed using BobList slick trick.

Frank, it was 'glued' to the inside wall, front of cone. some tapping caused it fall below the shift shaft and I was able to flip it upside down to retrieve it.

It took a few tries to figure out what I was looking for with regard to knowing when the saddle was in place, but eventually got it. I used ubber-thin fishing line that snapped off with ease.

Thanks for all you guys help and encouragement, except YOU, foodfisher. lol

Oh, and to answer my own questions in intial post...

1. - No, if the single rubber O-ring is in good shape and clean.

2. - No special tools needed, but can't reach in either. Must devise clever way to manipulate and align parts.

3. - Better? Not really. Faster? Probably not, considering the logistics of getting it in front of a mechanic.

4. - And yes, I know I still need a manual.

 

[5499965]

Re: LU drain screw isn't the LU drain screw, is it???

Help I just did the same thing pulled that little screw out instead of the drain plug and guess what it wont go back in. I have the LU off of the boat along with the prop and water pump. What else do I take off to start this operation? I also noticed thd little oring on that bolt looks like a dried up brittle raisen will change that before i put it back in. Thanks

 

[aladin_sane]

Re: LU drain screw isn't the LU drain screw, is it???

I must be the luckiest man in the world. I used the shift linkage screw to drain my lower unit for ten straight years without ever having a problem. I only discovered what a dope I was after reading on the internet about this problem others have had. I have since been using the correct drain plug and counting my blessings.