89 Force 35 HP Shift Linkage Adjustment

[bigbasser54]

I have an 89 35HP Force motor. Engine runs great but when the motor is in gear I have a hard time getting it into neutral. When the motor is in forward and I shift the lever into neutral the motor remains in forward, I have to bump the shift lever back to almost a reverse position to get it into neutral. The same thing happens when im in reverse, I have to put the lever in slight forward to get it out of reverse.

Is there a way to adjust the linkage? Would it be done under the cowl or at the lever?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[The Hammer]

Re: 89 Force 35 HP Shift Linkage Adjustment

I have the same issue, started after I swapped out the lower unit, I know this is a old post was it resolved?

 

[wickware]

Re: 89 Force 35 HP Shift Linkage Adjustment

Hold On! The Pros and More Experienced Are Coming. BUT! Until then let me talk from my 1970, 35 HP Chrysler experience and make some suggestions.

1. There is an adjustment at the linkage on the leg to the lower unit that appears to be close tolerance.

2. I feel I?m reading the key is connecting the mid link on upper and lower at the same time or centering.

3. Most of all, with the linkage disconnected move to reverse, neutral and forward to verify they exist.

4. With them verified, from the centered position, start the connector onto both to maintain the centered position.

5. Verify that you maintained the center position and have all 3 positions (reverse, neutral and forward).

6. A variable vs usual problem, I read was that an adjustment was made at the control box to gears with satisfaction.

7. So far I have not had this issue due to disconnecting a cotter pin vs the linkage adjustment, since my motor allows.

8. Two attachments will show centering the mid-linkage centering and disconnecting at the cotter pin.

9. The Bottom-Line! These adjustments are laid out in a manual that should allow your adjustments with less pain.

Good Luck!
JOW

 

[The Hammer]

Re: 89 Force 35 HP Shift Linkage Adjustment

Thanks wickware, I remember when I changed the lower unit 3 years ago I did it with the use of step by step instructions from the service manual, I spent quite a bit of time playing with that linkage coupler midway and got as close as I could but still have the result the OP has. I feel the controller is a little sloppy including the throttle control so I wonder if there is something I could do there. Its something I put up with but its annoying for sure when your trying to dock like you know what your doing.:redface:

 

[The Hammer]

Re: 89 Force 35 HP Shift Linkage Adjustment

Yes the coupler in the first pic is the one I was messin with, looks exactly the same as mine.

 

[wickware]

Re: 89 Force 35 HP Shift Linkage Adjustment

I believe it was BuzzStPoint that made an adjustment in his control box. I c/n remember seeing any room for adjustments in the box when I went in to inspect/clean/grease. After his adjustment, I looked at my pics closer and see where some adjusting could be made in there. My question is what would dictate having to go in the control box (if the control had ?ever? worked fine) if you are changing an impeller vs modifying (as switching L/Us, controls, etc)?? I?ll show 2 attachments of inside my control that was clean and simple. Good Luck! JOW