Stuck in Neutral

[deanmcneill]

I have a '79 7.5hp and when I try to change gears it's stuck in neutral. There's a little "play" in the lever on the side, but it won't go into first or second. Am I missing something...feels like a mechanical problem.

Any suggestions?

 

[Frankenstien]

Re: Stuck in Neutral

first or second... :-D perhaps you mean forward or reverse. A 7.5 hp engine will (should) have a throttle limiter, this will prevent you from putting the boat in gear while revving the throttle. I would check the connections around your throttle plate.

 

[deanmcneill]

Re: Stuck in Neutral

Yeah, brain-fart there... forward and reverse! Engine isn't running... it's just sitting on a frame as I fix the impeller (maybe it'd shift if I had it running? but I doubt it).

My problem is the Clymers manual that I have doesn't really show, or discuss, the upper shift linkages worth a damn!

I bet you're right, there's something that's just not moving enough to allow the shifter to have enough range to go to forward or reverse... I'll trace the throttle handle back and see if there's an issue there.

I'll play around, but sure would be good to have a manual that addresses that part of the engine!

 

[deanmcneill]

Re: Stuck in Neutral

Got it! Took some work to get all the related parts disassembled, but once I did, the steering piece was just pressure fit into place....had a fair share of salt and built up corrosion on it. A good cleamning and some gentle sanding and all is good!

I do have an issue with the Flush channel in the engine being blocked with salt... can't seem to unblock that, tried water, CLR, a strong wire and even a coat hanger. Any ideas?