1970 35HP not going in gear

[wbh3569]

I have a 1970 35HP chrysler that was ran last year and did fine but when I started it last night to check out before a hunting trip Saturday it will not go in gear.
The shift linkage and cables all seem to be working fine.
The cable is moving at powerhead and appears to be pushing linkage down that goes through cover and down to lower unit. The prop seals and so on are in need of replacement therefore I drained LU and refilled with 90W
gear oil I had lying around the shop till I could get to parts store to get LU lube. Is there any way that the viscosity of the oil is keeping it from going in gear properly (my first guess is NO).

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 1970 35HP not going in gear

Regular rear end oil will not cause the problem. If it went into gear fine last season, then unless something has broken internally--which is not likely-- you have another problem. Since you already checked the shift cable and linkage, the most likely culprit is this: If you dropped the lower unit, did you assemble the linkage connector correctly? If your linkage is either too long or too short, The engine will go into one gear but not the other. If you did not drop the lower unit, has the locknut on the connector loosened and has the connector moved? If the linkage has a long hex connector, it is threaded in opposite directions on each end. Turning one direction will lengthen the linkage and the other will shorten it. Try that first. To access this connector, you need to remove the two midleg covers just behind the mounting clamps. Six screws hold them together and onto the midleg.

Secondly, these engines had a design flaw in that the front chamber of the lower unit gearcase was not vented to drain water. Since it was not vented, silt would build up in the front chamber, around the shift rod. eventually, it would grab the rod and keep it from moving. There is enough compliance in the system that the top linkage and cable will move but the lower rod will not. Usually, because of the linkage design, the engine will not go into forward but reverse may work although with dificulty. So: if all other things are correct look and see if there is a silt/sand build up and clean it out if there is.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: 1970 35HP not going in gear

When you drained it did you use the vent and drain screws? These have the heads about the size of a dime and require a slotted screwdriver. The other screw down there has a much smaller head and is located on the very forward part of the lower unit. This is called a pivot screw and if you removed this screw to drain the lower unit it would explain why it will not go into gear. If you removed this screw and have attempted to shift chances are you will need to tear the lower unit apart and re align everything connected to this screw.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 1970 35HP not going in gear

You know Euro--I keep forgetting to ask that one.

 

[wbh3569]

Re: 1970 35HP not going in gear

Thanks for the replies guys, I will try today to check the connector on shift linkage. I started last night and all but one of the cover bolts came out with ease (always a ------ in the crowd) so I am going to have to cut one of the cover bolts off. Euro yes I did drain with drain screws not pivot screw

Euro is that a glasstron on your avatar?

I have a 73' V184 with a 351W pushing about 375HP (glasstrons are awesome Hulls)

Thanks again guys and I will post the conclusion after getting the covers off.

 

[wbh3569]

Re: 1970 35HP not going in gear

Sorry the Glasstron question was for Frank

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 1970 35HP not going in gear

Yeah! That's a '71 V153. I bought her new and have had her continuously registered since then. She currently has a Chrysler 90 on the back and does 42 MPH. That boat was cruised up the Hudson River to Canada twice and has a lot of hours on it. She used to have full canvas and I slept on board. Windshield crazed from sun damage and was replaced about 10 tears ago, and seats cracked and were also replaced. I guess I just was not lucky: I have seen boats that old with everything original. She was stored outside for most of her life but now, she is getting a little tired so I have semi- retired her and garage store her.

Had my first date with my wife on that little 153, so I will never get rid of it. ---Might use it for a Viking funeral for whomever of us dies first though! LOL Whomever? Whoever? --Whatever!

BTW Always liked Glastrons ---Fast, good looking boats. And even though the topsides were a little thin, James Bond helped their reputation. I had the one (same 14 foot model) that went into the swimming pool in Live and Let Die. I also have a 16 footer now. --Under resto.