Once again, looking for help. We're trying to change out the clutch dog spring on our lower unit. Does the lower unit have to be completely removed to access this?
So you are saying it is stuck in neutral? If it is,, and it isn't a spun prop hub, then the problem is that the plunger/piston is stuck in the oil pump. That happens mostly due to microscopic grit in the oil (lack of maintenance). The plunger is a very close fit in the oil pump and grit jams it up.
Yep, the oil pump is the last piece to come out.
I am quite aware how it works. I also am quite aware that it might be intermittent. Before jumping to my or anybody else's conclusions verify the diagnosis. If the plunger is sticking, it will remain in neutral (or reverse) with the motor not running. If it is intermittent, it might turn loose and snap into forward now and then. If you should be so lucky, you might want to try an oil change and see if the problem clears up.
It is possible to take a short cut to fix this issue and leave the lower unit in place.------A 50 year old gearcase might benefit from a seal kit and new water pump impleller too.----So take it off.----There won't be anything wrong with the " clutch spring "-----The shift piston is not moving in the pump bore due to grit , as already mentioned.-----You need to remove the lower unit bolts, including a hidden one under the trim tab.----Disconnect the shift wires at the engine.---Attach something to the shift wires so it can be pulled back up.
That's where our next problem comes into play. The bolt to remove the lower unit is stripped out. Any suggestions on getting it off? Oil was changed out back in November and has only been ran twice this year. I have a new seal kit to put on it.
drill the head of the bolt off remove the trim tab then use vice grips to get the piece of the bolt out dont drill the trim tab and use penertrating oil on bolt hope this helps
You havenāt answered if It remains in Neutral when not running? If it does default to Forward when stopped, but then refuses to shift to forward while running, try unhooking the shift wires. Might be a bad shift switch
With the engine stopped and key off, disconnect the Spark Plug Wires. See if the propeller will spin. If it rotates a bit then stops, it is in gear If it spins freely, it is in Neutral
Shift piston is not moving freely in the oil pump bore.-------Believe it or not the oil strainer screen in front of the pump has been known to disintegrate.---bits and pieces jam up the shift piston.-----50 year old unit should be taken apart for complete inspection.-----In my opinion not that hard to do.------No manual needed for me to do this job.
