omc 225 outboard runs in reverse, not in forward

[rwtulloch]

My OMC 3.0 Liter 225 was taking off under a full load of people and gear and suddenly the engine revved and the boat stopped. I assumed the hub was spun, but the linkage and prop runs great in reverse and the hub isn't spun (tried the spare prop just to make sure) I put the engine in forward without it running and the prop spun freely. In reverse, it was tight and would turn the flywheel. Is this a broken drive shaft or splines? Is there anything I can check or do myself before sending it to the shop?<br /><br />Thank goodness for kickers!

 

[Dhadley]

Re: omc 225 outboard runs in reverse, not in forward

Obviously the driveshaft and splines are OK or you wouldnt have reverse. Whatever happened is related to forward gear only. I would not run it anymore until you can get it apart to see.<br /><br />Keep us posted!

 

[ezeke]

Re: omc 225 outboard runs in reverse, not in forward

Your shift cable could be slipping and do that...

 

[rwtulloch]

Re: omc 225 outboard runs in reverse, not in forward

how do I check my shift linkage?<br />it seems to shift on the engine when I put it in gear

 

[Dhadley]

Re: omc 225 outboard runs in reverse, not in forward

True. I took it from your post when you said the linkage was OK that you had disconnected the cable and shifted it manually. <br /><br />If you havent disconnected the shift cable, do so to verify first.

 

[ezeke]

Re: omc 225 outboard runs in reverse, not in forward

With engine off, see if you can manually shift to forward at the engine. You will probably need to turn the prop while doing this and have someone at the control to move the lever.

 

[rwtulloch]

Re: omc 225 outboard runs in reverse, not in forward

ok.. disconnected shift linkage.<br />shifted by hand <br />propeller turns flywheel in forward<br />the problem seems to be that the control arm is not bringing the shifting arm far enough in gear. how do I adjust this? and what exactly is the shift detent on the control box? Thanks for your quick responses!

 

[ezeke]

Re: omc 225 outboard runs in reverse, not in forward

I'm hoping someone who knows your control system will jump in here, but I'll tell you that I think the cable is loose and is slipping inside the connection at the engine. If the throttle was stiff and everything was working OK before this incident, I would not change any settings yet. If it were my rig, I would replace the shift cable and then make the adjustments.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: omc 225 outboard runs in reverse, not in forward

OK, just so I dont assume anymore (my fault), lets go thru some background.<br /><br />I take it this is not a "new to you" boat/motor combo. It has been preforming correctly for some time. If so the most likely scenario is that the shift cable has stretched. If youve recently had the lower unit off and then the problem poped up, the shift rod adjustment might be off.

 

[kameika]

Re: omc 225 outboard runs in reverse, not in forward

Ha!<br /><br />I had the same problem exactly last year. What ended up to be the problem, a broken shift linkage. (1987 OMC Seadrive, 225 HP.) In fact, the break was right at the bend of the cable as it exits the transom.<br /><br />A $40 + 3 hour DIY repair. <br /><br />Okay, more detail: Depending on your arrangement, the cable+sleeve will act like a "pushrod," but not as a "pullrod." <br /><br />As the shifting linkage/mechanism is spring loaded, you'll sometimes get some "satisfaction" from a shifting action. ..Just enough to throw you off of the trail of the problem.<br /><br />I hope this helps.<br /><br />Ken

 

[rwtulloch]

Re: omc 225 outboard runs in reverse, not in forward

new shift and throttle cables on order... will keep you posted.. thanks!

 

[clanton]

Re: omc 225 outboard runs in reverse, not in forward

After you install the new cables, the shift cable adjustment is done with the control in farward gear 3/4 to full throttle position.

 

[rwtulloch]

Re: omc 225 outboard runs in reverse, not in forward

Installed new shift (and throttle) cables. Runs great! Thanks for all the help!

 

[Dhadley]

Re: omc 225 outboard runs in reverse, not in forward

Thanks for the update! Its great to hear your back in business!<br /><br />Good luck!