2001 25hp Occosional Reverse

[Auggie]

I have a 2001, 25 HP Merc. Long Shaft Elec. Start. Motor may have 15 hrs. total. Water pump changed about 6 months ago. Recently had to operate motor on shallow drive. Now motor will only go into reverse on special occasions.( never while leaving the ramp) I have attempted to remove lower unit to look at the gear, can only get it to drop about 1.5", I can see the drive shaft detaching from the powerhead, but can't seem to find that final deal to allow the unit to drop free.( shift lever probably) Any help?

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: 2001 25hp Occosional Reverse

make sure it's in forward gear when removing and<br />reinstalling.

 

[Auggie]

Re: 2001 25hp Occosional Reverse

Shifting into forward allowed the approximate 1.5" drop I mentioned earlier. Does the shift rod drop out of the powerhead like the drive shaft or is there a linkage, pin, or something that has to be pulled to allow the lower unit to drop completely? As I said before, I can see the drive shaft separate from the powerhead, but think the shift rod is keeping the L.U. from dropping on down. I have about wore the bolts out, as I keep thinking... This can't be that tough and each time I end up putting it back together beat but not yet defeated.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 2001 25hp Occosional Reverse

Many times there is a small plate on the starboard side of the lower unit, which is held on by 2 small screws. Behind that plate is the shift shaft linkage connector bolt(S). I can't say on the 2001 model, but many small OMC's have this access plate. Check it out and if you can get a Manual, it will tell you for sure.

 

[Auggie]

Re: 2001 25hp Occosional Reverse

Been there already. I have no idea why the plate is actually there, it allows access to nothing. I can see the shift rod but there is no linkage. I also removed the section just above that plate, thinking the linkage might be tucked inside there, no avail just the rubber pieces that hold it all together. I will be getting a manual ... soon, but this has almost become a quest.

 

[dilligafda]

Re: 2001 25hp Occosional Reverse

There is a connection to the upper shift shaft that needs to be seperated. It is a retainer at the top of the shiftshaft. You will need to remove the starter to access the shift shaft retainer.<br /><br />Good Luck!

 

[outboardguy]

Re: 2001 25hp Occosional Reverse

Yeah whay dillagaf said. Just remove the starter and look under the carb and you will see the top of the shift shaft and a pin going through it.

 

[Auggie]

Re: 2001 25hp Occosional Reverse

You guys rock. Ok, your batting a thousand on my first question. Got the lower unit to drop. (Thanks) Now, the water pump housing covers a post made on the cover the shift rod passes through. Is this plate supposed to just pull out? I see nothing else holding it. While we're at it, when I get to the gear and see what the problem is, is there a special sequence when putting all back in order? Like do I need to be in neutral, forward, tongue out the left or right side of my mouth? Looks to me like I should just be able to put the L.U. back up and adjust the throttle/shift position to the hole on the shift rod until the pin will enter. <br />I really appreciate the help so far.

 

[dilligafda]

Re: 2001 25hp Occosional Reverse

Ok nobody else has said it so I guess I will. Do you have a service manual for your engine? A good service manual will detail the reassembly process. Be sure to inspect the prop shaft and reverse gear bearing carrier. I hve seen your situation before, usually caused by the prop free-wheeling while on the trailer.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 2001 25hp Occosional Reverse

usually caused by the prop free-wheeling while on the trailer.<br />

Good point dilligaf! I always keep mine in gear when trailering. I love seeing those props spin around when going down the highway. Don't know if it hurts the LU, but can't help...

 

[dilligafda]

Re: 2001 25hp Occosional Reverse

"I love seeing those props spin around when going down the highway. Don't know if it hurts the LU, but can't help... "<br /><br />Yes it does damage the LU. basicly, it's like running the unit in reverse for a long period of time. The reverse gear bearing and carrier are not designed to take that much thrust for that long. I have had warranty claims denied for that very reason. "No defect in materials or workmanship found" is what Merc told me FWIW.<br /><br />Anyhow -Good luck with the repair and keep us informed!

 

[Auggie]

Re: 2001 25hp Occosional Reverse

Ok, Now have a manual. Only thing I can find wrong is a missing flat washer on the top of the shift rod just under the linkage connector. Must be important though because it is mentioned three times in the reassembly instructions. I will let you know how it comes out when the washer arrives.