shifting is backwards

fshnfool40

Recruit
Joined
May 7, 2006
Messages
2
I have a 1978 55 hp manual shift. When I shift forward it goes in reverse and when i shift reverse it goes forward. How can I fix this?? Is the lower unit gears backwards? other than that the motor runs mint please help thanx fshnfool40 fshnfool@metrocast.net
 

Chinewalker

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Aug 19, 2001
Messages
8,902
Re: shifting is backwards

Hi Fishnfool,<br /> Have you recently replaced the lower unit? Is the motor new to you? Chances are you've gotten a hydromechanical shift lower unit onto a straight mechanical shift motor. They shift backwards from each other. Most of the straight mechanical shift units have a skeg that has the trailing edge angled behind the gearcase bullet, while hydromechs (most of them) have a skeg that has the trailing edge coming straight down from the gearcase bullet. This is not a foolproof method, as skegs get welded, filed, cut, etc.<br /> The fix is to use the appropriate bellcrank up top that the shift cable attaches to. If you do have the h-m unit, you'll need the bellcrank from a h-m motor.<br />- Scott
 
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