Shift linkage problem

[Timlong791]

I'll start off with a bit of background. I bought the boat from Someone and I stupidly took his word on what was wrong with it and what wasn't. Anyway the engine needed a head gasket, replace the kill switch, and install the thermostat they removed. Along with various other things in the boat that didn't work He said did. The boat is a 1978 venture and the motor is a 115 force. After getting my Hands on it the engine runs great but I do have a few questions for you fellers that have more experience with boats. I am an automotive Technician so I am very mechanically inclined but still a newbie to real boats. My last boat I had for 10 years a 50's Jon boat I put a 50'a Johnson seahorse on but it was tiller operated and had none of this nonsense.

I am having trouble setting the linkage for the shifting. I have adjusted the ends of the cables and the nut on the shift rod shaft. I made super small adjustments to both checking as I go. I cannot for the life of me get it right. It only goes in one or the other but it is super close to getting the other. The cables aren't in real great shape, they are kind of frayed on the sheathing but it doesn't seem to hinder the movement. I thought about getting a universal control box that has adjustable throw but I'm Sure that there is nothing wrong with this control box and I'm Doing something wrong.

Other question is that on my control if you push it forward and it is at the 9 o clock position I would think that should be full throttle but it's more like 25% throttle and if I push it to about the 7:30 position that's full throttle, so that little bit of movement is 75% of my throttle control. Not sure if this is normal or not.

Thank you for any help. If you need more info or pictures of what I'm Talking about just let Me know.

 

[jerryjerry05]

A 115 hp Force??
I don't think they made a 115? Maybe a 125?
Start a signature and include the year, model
After a couple of posts you can add pics.

If you messed with the nut on the shift rod??
You might not get it to shift right.
That nut is a last chance adjustment, only used if nothing else works.

You have a manual? Try to get a factory manual.
The Selooc/ Clymer ones cover some things but aren't specific on a lot of things.

The shift adjust:
Unhook the cables at the ball connectors.
Place shifter in N
Then remove the coupler on the bottom of the shift rod(one with the nut)
Then with a pair of needle nose reach in and pull the shift rod(from the gear case GC) up and turn the prop as you do.
Magic marker, mark the base of the rod.
Then push the rod into the GC as far as it can go, turning the prop as you do.
MM the top position.

About half way on the rod should be neutral N
That's the start of hooking up the linkage.
Re-hook the coupler.
Then the cables adjust the connector so the shift cable slides over the ball.

The throttle needs a bit of pre-load on it so kinda stretch the cable and connector over the ball.
Some connectors have a spring loaded end.


When shifting, the prop needs to be turning when shifted.
If not the linkage just jams up and won't work.
When the motors running, the shafts are turning, that allows the parts to mesh.

 

[Timlong791]

Whoops sorry it's a charger not force. Sorry bout that.

 

[racerone]

A charger would be a CHRYSLER motor.----Not much difference to a FORCE motor.

 

[Timlong791]

Yes it's a Chrysler charger 115. I have found some videos online and another walk through that was pretty much the same as Jerry wrote. That's why I was thinking that maybe there is too much slack in my control box and maybe it's worn out.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Cables frayed? Replace.
Remove the shifter and cable ends.
Then try shifting and see if somethings loose?