Idiot removed shift pivot screw, HELP!

schneldb

Recruit
Joined
Aug 26, 2001
Messages
4
I'm the idiot. It's an 88 Force 125 OB. I read the book wrong, thinking I was pulling the drain for my lower unit so I could change the impeller. I instead pulled the pivot screw that connects the shift linkage. Is there anything I can do to fix this without tearing the whole unit apart? Thanks in advance.
 

stinger1

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Aug 6, 2001
Messages
45
Re: Idiot removed shift pivot screw, HELP!

sorry <br />i wont be much help, cause im new and not a mechanic.<br />but post this in the boat engine forum and they will surely be able to tell you.<br />those guys great.<br /><br />they will see it here to though<br />i think they surf the whole site
 

ODDD1

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jan 23, 2001
Messages
1,054
Re: Idiot removed shift pivot screw, HELP!

Schneld, I cant give you good news...almost certain the case will have to come off to repair....but when its done FILL THE POCKET THE SCREW GOES IN WITH SILICONE! it wont happen again....
 

fishthebay

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 17, 2001
Messages
180
Re: Idiot removed shift pivot screw, HELP!

I did the same thing on my 87 85HP force last year. Fortuatly, I was able to put the screw back in without having to have the unit broken down. I took it to a mechanic to check out and everything was fine.<br /><br />Try to put it back in and see what happens.
 

schneldb

Recruit
Joined
Aug 26, 2001
Messages
4
Re: Idiot removed shift pivot screw, HELP!

I fixed it. I had to tear it down to the point that a shop would have to go farther from there. At that point I could see everything that came apart. Thanks to mechanical fingers and a lot of patience I got it all together again. I was really freaking out because I was taking it to a lake for Labor Day weekend. We made it, and the boat couldn't have performed better. If anybody has this problem please contact me, I can give advice in detail what I did to fix it. Thanks for the replies I received.
 

intrigueing

Cadet
Joined
Sep 28, 2003
Messages
11
Re: Idiot removed shift pivot screw, HELP!

Schneldb, I know your post was long ago, but any info you have on the repair would be appreciated, I just got a boat that has the pin missing.
 

cpasseno03

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Dec 14, 2002
Messages
246
Re: Idiot removed shift pivot screw, HELP!

Both drain plugs are flat head! I learned that the hard way also... The phillips one is the pivot for the shift fork, that slides one gear into either one or another (forward or revers) Take the screw out, and remove the lower portion of the gearbox (it splits along the centerline of the prop shaft) When it comes apart (carefully) you will see how everything works, it is rather simple. Line it back up and reassemble. When pulling off the bottom half of gearbox, go slowly, and try to line it up without taking it all the way off, that helps me sometimes.<br />And sometimes its already lined up and you can just reinsert the screw, but when are we that lucky?<br />Craig
 

moderator1

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Dec 5, 2002
Messages
1,668
Re: Idiot removed shift pivot screw, HELP!

Moving to Chrysler/Force questions.
 
Joined
Apr 10, 2011
Messages
1
Re: Idiot removed shift pivot screw, HELP!

Nice to know I'm not the only one. Anyone know any tricks as to how to get it done on an Johnson/Evinrude V4? Presently I have the lower unit removed as I changed the water pump out yesterday. Is there a way to test it before reinstalling it to the motor? Pull the trans rod and turn the drive shaft by hand and if it rotates in opposite directions I'm in the clear????
 
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