1969 Chrysler 55 HP won't go in reverse

[STALLAEP]

I just picked up a 1969 Chrysler Charger 14' boat and 55 HP motor. It's in really good shape and the moter starts up and runs well, but it won't go into revers. The owner had the lower unit apart last year to fix a seal and he says he thinks he put it all back together properly, but still it won't go into reverse gear. Soemone suggested the idle may be preventing it from shifting in reverse. It has all the cables and controls for remote control of the motor.<br /><br />Does anyone know where I might find drawings and manuals (preferably online) for this motor? I should also mention that it seems greatly underpowered for an engine of this size on a boat this size. It skoots along fairly well with just two adults in it, but it plods along with 4 people in it.<br /><br />I'm also wondering whether it has the optimum prop on it. The prop looks very modest and the blades almost spiral around. ANy suggestions what sort of prop it should be running?<br /><br />Much thanks,<br /><br />Pat.

 

[Oldsaltydog]

Re: 1969 Chrysler 55 HP won't go in reverse

Because, in most cases, the lower unit contains your mechanisms for shifting, it may be a good idea to take a look at that to make sure everything is in order. You might find answers to your other questions from a Seloc or Clymer manual, which can be bought online for a resonable amount.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: 1969 Chrysler 55 HP won't go in reverse

Below the power head where the motor covers are there is a shift linkage adjustment. This is a nut about 1.5 inches long and has reverse threads on one side to make adjustments. I would do this<br /><br />Disconnect spark plugs for safetey<br />put shifter in the middle of the neutral postition<br />have someone slowely engage shifter forward while you are turning prop clockwise until you hear it start ticking. Have your friend put it back in neutral and go towards reverse the same way until it clicks or locks up. Basically you want neutral to be centered on neutral with the same amount of swing on the shifter each way. He may have adjusted the shifter to far towards the forward direction so you cant go into reverse. It is very rare that a reverse gear will go out. That gear is hardly used.<br />Remove the motor covers by removing 6 screws and adjust the linkage nut with I believe a 3/8 inch wrench