shift linkage adjustment

[SkiDad]

So I'm trying to fix an issue of my 1985 force 125 popping out of gear. When I adjust the 2 nuts under the carbs I can get it to engage forward better in the driveway. Do I test the engage when "Just in gear" or do I test it with it more forward with some throttle ? Seems the neutral is a different spot if I come from reverse or if I come from forward (maybe normal) . Doing all of this with engine off so far.

so far I'm loosened the nut up about 2/5 of a turn

 

[Jiggz]

Basically you are biasing the fwd shift which naturally will also shift the location of the neutral position. Do all of these with the engine off and when satisfied, do it with muffs and engine in idle (no load test). Make sure you stay clear of the prop. Do not prolong the test at it can cause overheating in the gear unit. When satisfied, then do the ultimate test which is in the water (load test). Don't forget to test the reverse also but there is no need to test is (reverse) at high speed. Most reversing are done at very low speeds anyways. Remember, when shifting gear always slam the control lever and never hesitate as this will grind out the clutch dogs. And also make sure idle is as low as possible as this prevents grinding and jump starting the gear unit.

If after biasing and the gear still pops out under load, then it might be time to switch the reverse and fwd clutch dogs or replace the fwd clutch dogs.

 

[SkiDad]

Took the boat out. Went into reverse perfectly. Went into forward ok But with just a little throttle it popped again. So I anchored and moved it down just a little more and now all I could get was grinding in forward. Tried several spots so I think it must be toast now bc it won't go into gear at all now. Had to go in reverse all the back to the dock. Looking for used units now. Bummed

 

[Jiggz]

Are you sure you are adjusting or biasing in the right direction? If it used to engage and then pops out when throttled and then you made adjustment and all you got is grinding without any engagement, it would tell me you are adjusting or biasing in the wrong direction. But hey, if you are sure you are adjusting in the right direction, then maybe it is time to replace or switch the clutch dogs. If this is the case, I suggest look for a LU first instead of the just the dogs since the work involve to replace them is really a lot. And the other thing if you cannot find a suitably priced LU, then maybe you can have the old dogs machined.

 

[SkiDad]

i bought a used lower unit for 200.00 (well actually a whole 1988 85 hp engine) - i took the lower unit off and it looks really nice - I'll start a new thread.

 

[Jiggz]

To give you an idea how to set the neutral, disconnect the lower shift rod from the upper shift rod (I am referring to the shift rod fwd of the LU which is connected by a pin with a tiny cotter pin. The lower shift rod screws to the shifter coupling. With the gear in neutral, push down the shift rod to go fwd. You can tell you are in gear by manually turning (CW) the prop and the drive shaft should follow. Mark the shift rod referencing the LU housing. Pull up half way and the unit should be in neutral. Pulling all the way up should place the gear in reverse. Again, mark the shift rod. Half way in between the two markings should be the median and neutral position of the shift rod. There is now need to bias unless you are experiencing the gears popping out of gear when under load.

 

[SkiDad]

thank you kindly - is there anywhere else in my system I should look for that could have came out of adjustment ? I don't think anything did, but worth a check

 

[Jiggz]

Since you made some adjustments earlier with the old LU, then make sure it is set back accordingly when you install the "new" 85HP LU.