01 Optimax won't go into forward gear.

[tahoereid]

Its 135 HP with quicksilver 3000 series throttle control unit.

It was doing fine going in and out of gear till all of the sudden it wont go into forward after applying forward throttle (no gear grinding or anything). Reverse still works fine. The TO button seems to be working fine.

When The cowling was removed all the linkages seemed to look ok. Everything still moved as before.

Im not sure if its a selenoid or linkage problems. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

I just ordered the service manual and thought some body could give me a jump start on what the problem could possibly be.

Thanks!
Reid

 

[cardinal7769]

Re: 01 Optimax won't go into forward gear.

Hi There,

I have the exact same motor, year and HP. I had the same problem happen about two years ago. Motor would start fine but as soon as I put her in gear alarm would sound an stall. It ended up just needing a DCT hooked up to it to reset a code. luckily that one only cost me 75.00. Is what your explaining similar?

However now I have more problems. One of my altenator bolts snapped in half causing the altenator to give play and shred the belt. After I installed a new bolt and new belt motor will not start. Brought it back to the dealer. He had it for three weeks and still couldn't give me an answer...he wanted more time to bill me so I told him to beat it...now I 'm reluctant to bring it to another dealer.... I just got my manual too...gonna try all the basics...

Let me know how you make out ..Andrew

 

[Sandjob]

Re: 01 Optimax won't go into forward gear.

Check your shift rod under the cowl. Sometimes it needs some lube. I had a 225 efi that the shift rod had been pushed up when lower unit was serviced. It would let me go in reverse but not in forward. I had to push it back down to make sure it was making contact with lower unit.

 

[tahoereid]

Re: 01 Optimax won't go into forward gear.

Thanks for the quick reply guys.

Andrew, when putting it into forward gear it simply does not engage. no stall or anything of the nature. Its like the TO button when trying to go forward. No alarms either.

-Reid

 

[tahoereid]

Re: 01 Optimax won't go into forward gear.

Forgot an important piece of information.


After forward origionally went out; about 100 or so trys trying to put it into forward gear it went in twice. After that if never went back in. Thats why I was thinking it could possibly be a selenoid acting up.


Thanks,
Reid

 

[tahoereid]

Re: 01 Optimax won't go into forward gear.

Check your shift rod under the cowl. Sometimes it needs some lube. I had a 225 efi that the shift rod had been pushed up when lower unit was serviced. It would let me go in reverse but not in forward. I had to push it back down to make sure it was making contact with lower unit.

Does the lower unit have to be removed to gain access to the shift rod?

 

[bustab]

Re: 01 Optimax won't go into forward gear.

There is no solenoid that has anything to do with shifting...all done mechanically. if it's out of the water have someone shift it while you check to make sure the shift shaft is rotating. it will be visible above the gearcase at the bottom of the mid section. if it doesn't shift spin the prop

 

[Sandjob]

Re: 01 Optimax won't go into forward gear.

The shift rod is viewable from undercowl and just above the lower end there should be an exposed piece of the shaft. If you follow your shift contols under cowl you will see the top of the shift rod. Make sure that it is moving when you shift. If it does move and still won't engage. rmove lower unit and check lower end. There is a shft you can turn manually to see if it is engaging.

 

[tahoereid]

Re: 01 Optimax won't go into forward gear.

Alright... after a long and agrivating 3 hrs this is what i find.


Shift shaft is working properly.

I took off the lower unit and was sometimes able to use a pair of pliers to turn the shaft of the lower unit it self. it will always lock into reverse. It will always go back to neutral. Rarely does it go into forward gear. there is some "up and down play" on the lower unit shaft its self and that does not seem to matter when chaning between what should be forward, neutral, and reverse gear.

How hard is it to get into the lower unit and check out the gearing? Need alot of know how?

I located a repair manual off the internet but am wondering if my somewhat mechanically inclined self can successfully get this thing goin.


Thanks again guys!

-Reid

 

[tahoereid]

Re: 01 Optimax won't go into forward gear.

Bump

 

[Sandjob]

Re: 01 Optimax won't go into forward gear.

If you can't engage forward by turning the female shaft on lower unit I would suggest a professional.