Not so Big Problem - Outdrive Shift Shaft is Un-Stuck!

[TwoBallScrewBall]

See later post......<br /><br />Added some more details here, sorry for the bump but I'm in the middle of the job and need to get it back together as soon as i can...<br /><br />OMC cobra 3.0, 1988... Well I probably don't want the answer to this question, but oh well. I noticed that even though my shift/throttle lever was in neutral my outdrive wasn't. I pulled the drive OK but the shift shaft going into the lower unit of the drive is stuck in reverse. Won't move. I tapped it with a screwdriver a bit and it moved very slightly, and the drive is now in neutral, but I still can't move the shift shaft by hand. The drive feels very smooth in gear and in neutral but the damn lever won't move. I'm about to go get buried in my shop manual but if you guys have suggestions or ideas just shout. <br /><br />Thanks.

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Not so Big Problem - Outdrive Shift Shaft is Un-Stuck!

Actually it was in forward. And I think I remember now when the boat blew a hole in the engine block I shut it down in gear (at idle on the way to the ramp.). Could it just be stuck or are there bigger problems? What can I try to get it moving?

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Not so Big Problem - Outdrive Shift Shaft is Un-Stuck!

Anyone have a guess about this? Sorry to keep asking, I have a brand new engine ready to drop in, but if I need a new sterndrive now it's going up on ebay. I'm thinking of taking the lower unit apart and having a look but I'd like some ideas first....

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Not so Big Problem - Outdrive Shift Shaft is Un-Stuck!

hello<br />yep sometimes the shift shaft bushing sticks. if the shift from the lower unit is stuck, at a minimum ya have to seperate the case halves and remove the shift shaft and bushing housing for a cleaning. its fairly common. you will need the orings at the water housing 3 I think and a shift shaft wiper and a shift shaft seal and a shift shaft cover gasket. make a careful measurement of the shift rod height from the lower case to the top of the shifter so it can be reset.<br /> to install the new wiper heat it in a pan of hot water to soften it some.<br /> good luck and keep posting

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Not so Big Problem - Outdrive Shift Shaft is Un-Stuck!

Thanks. Hopefully you're right and it's not that serious. I'll be ripping it apart tomorrow or tues.

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Not so Big Problem - Outdrive Shift Shaft is Un-Stuck!

bumpety-bump, ANY advice is better than NO advice as they say!

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Not so Big Problem - Outdrive Shift Shaft is Un-Stuck!

Rodbolt, thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />I separated the outdrive halves, took off the shift shaft cover and it was the problem! I worked the shaft out of the cover and when I screwed it into the detent the outdrive shifted with one finger. And to top it off, I popped the cover off of the upper housing and the gears look brand new! Hopefully I'll have it back together tomorrow if my marina has the parts I need. Then back in the garage this weekend to drop in the new engine, align and reinstall the outdrive. <br /><br />I can't believe how stuck that shaft was. I was 100% sure it was going to be a disaster since I couldn't move the shaft at all, I figured if it was only a messy bushing I would at least be able to move it a little. Glad I was wrong!<br /><br />Thanks AGAIN!!<br /><br />Steve

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Not so Big Problem - Outdrive Shift Shaft is Un-Stuck!

hello<br /> good luck. dont cut corners do it all, do it once and all is well. you would almost think I had seen this problem once <br /> good luck and keep posting

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Not so Big Problem - Outdrive Shift Shaft is Un-Stuck!

Yeah it sounds like maybe you've seen this before. Anything else preventative I should do while I have the outdrive off and apart? I'm going to install all new gaskets/orings, and replace the water pump while I'm at it. Anything else smart to do now? <br /><br />Thanks!

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Not so Big Problem - Outdrive Shift Shaft is Un-Stuck!

Little update here... Well I cleaned the shaft completely and removed the old wiper from the cover, but the shaft is still sticky when trying to move it even without the new wiper installed. I can see in the cover that the seal (o-ring or something similar I guess) that the shaft goes thru is pretty chewed up, hanging out in places, so this has to be the problem. I checked and a new cover including new bushing and new seal installed was $27 from my local OMC marina, so I ordered it, should have it early next week. Might as well do it right the first time. Also got some serious paint remover so I'll be stripping and repainting the outdrive while I'm at it.