1970 OMC popped out of Fwd won't go back in

[zscotty1]

I have a 1970 Evinrude Explorer 155 horse 225ci buick v-6 (beaut' and runs perfect)
I was cruising about 25 mph when bang! she popped out of forward and now won't go back. I have juice to the "knife" connections where the wires enter the stern drive at the appropriate times but no forward. If it is the spring can they be changed out without removal and tear down of the entire drive? And Do both springs need to be changed out together or can I just do the front?

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: 1970 OMC popped out of Fwd won't go back in

You can replace just one spring. Inspect the tang on the other.
Only the lower unit needs tearing down, but yeah, you have to remove the drive and you might as well do a water pump while you are at it and pressure test both sections and reseal as necessary.

 

[zscotty1]

Re: 1970 OMC popped out of Fwd won't go back in

Thanks
Another question: Are all OMC stern drives interchangeable from '68-'86.
I saw this statement represented as fact on a classified ad.