1987 DT 85 shifting problem

[72INVADER90HP]

I have a 1987 Suzuki DT 85. Ok hers the problem,<br />With the lower unit on the boat I shift the gear shifter from neutral to reverse and attempted to turn the prop and nothing, in neutral the prop spins both ways. No when I put it in forward gear and attempted to spin the prop I hear a clicking sound and I can turn it by hand. I had the prop looked at and the dealer said it looked fine. So I removed the lower unit and now the shift rod went from neutral to it looks like forward because the rod is in the downward position. And I cannot get to rise back up by hand. If I use a pair of pliers and pull real hard it will go into neutral but it is real hard, and I cannot get it to go into reverse with my hand or pliers. It is like there is a spring that is real stiff. And it will pop out of neutral and back into forward gear. I can take the lower unit apart but what should I be looking for?<br />Thanks for any help.

 

[acep2]

Re: 1987 DT 85 shifting problem

I have a '97 DT 75.<br /><br />The prop should only move one direction in forward (and click), spin freely both directions in neutral, and not spin either direction in reverse - by hand, obviously with the engine off.<br /><br />With the lower unit dropped, you may have to spin the drive shaft a bit, while gently pulling on the clutch rod to get it into neutral. It can be difficult to get it into reverse by hand, but the same procedure applies.<br /><br />With the lower unit back up, and the shift shaft/rod connected, is it still "popping" into forward from neutral - is that the problem you were having before dropping the lower unit?

 

[72INVADER90HP]

Re: 1987 DT 85 shifting problem

The problem I am having is that the when the boat is moving at idol it will run fine but as soon as you start to accelerate the engine revs up and the boat does not move.<br /> Took the lower unit apart and took it to a mechanic and he said the clutch looks fine and the gears look fine and thought it to be a prop.<br />Now the lower unit still does the same thing

 

[72INVADER90HP]

Re: 1987 DT 85 shifting problem

The problem I am having is that the when the boat is moving at idol it will run fine but as soon as you start to accelerate the engine revs up and the boat does not move.<br /> Took the lower unit apart and took it to a mechanic and he said the clutch looks fine and the gears look fine and thought it to be a prop.<br />Now the lower unit still does the same thing

 

[72INVADER90HP]

Re: 1987 DT 85 shifting problem

The problem I am having is that the when the boat is moving at idol it will run fine but as soon as you start to accelerate the engine revs up and the boat does not move.<br /> Took the lower unit apart and took it to a mechanic and he said the clutch looks fine and the gears look fine and thought it to be a prop.<br />Now the lower unit still does the same thing

 

[cookiedoh]

Re: 1987 DT 85 shifting problem

I assume the answer is yes, but just to clarify you did try a new prop? It sounds like the prop is spinning out, or the motor is over trimmed. On my DT85 it is pretty hard to get the prop to spin in forward gear. When it is half in nuetral and half in gear I could spin relativly easy, but there was a loud ticking noise.

 

[72INVADER90HP]

Re: 1987 DT 85 shifting problem

I never knew that but I am going to but this thing back together and try it out. I would like to one day change out the clutch dog and would like to know how much they are for future reference

 

[sajjied]

Re: 1987 DT 85 shifting problem

i have a suzuki dt85 and i had the same problem as you that at higher speeds it spins out and the problem was the rubber of the prop so change the prop or buy the rubber and take it somewhere to fix it because it is impossible to replace it by yourself

 

[72INVADER90HP]

Re: 1987 DT 85 shifting problem

I sent the hub off to get that rubber replaced and it shoud be back today