1988 Force 50 hp leaking oily substance

[Chevyjohn123]

Hi folks,
I have an 88 force 50 hp and after a day on the lake trolling at just above idle speed, when I loaded the boat on the trailer, I noticed any oily foamy drip coming from a very small hole right next to one of the bolt heads holding the lower unit to the upper case. I immedialtely though it was lower unit taking on water and this hole was a vent for the lower gear case. After reading a couple of the related posts on this site, it looks like this may be a normal event related to unburned gas and oil mix? When I got home, I drained the lower gear case and it was a milky green color. I don't know what color the lower lube was supposed to be ( I just purchased this boat recently and the previous owner had the seals and water pump replaced this summer), but I also removed what I thought was the lower drain plug but it was actually a screw head with a pin about 1 1/4" long attached to it. Anyway, I finally looked lower and found the real drain plug, but I have seen comments like "DON'T TOUCH THE PIVOT PIN" ( whatever that is) and now I'm afraid that I did something wrong!! I was able to put it back in. What exactly does this pivot pin do?

 

[O.T.Water]

Re: 1988 Force 50 hp leaking oily substance

Don't run your engine. Sounds like you removed the shift connection pivot pin. Wait for a reply from one of the experts. Probably Frank A. will read this and provide you with your answer. Good Luck!

 

[Chevyjohn123]

Re: 1988 Force 50 hp leaking oily substance

Thanks. I will wait for an expert's view before I run the motor again!:

 

[moparman]

Re: 1988 Force 50 hp leaking oily substance

That's the pivot pin for the shift linkage. Was the motor disturbed while it was out?There's a chance you can put it back in with out the linkage falling down,but it's slim.If it's fallen ,the gears won't be in sync with your shift linkage and it generally will flop around when trying to put it in gear. If you don't have a manual, get one ,if you have one it should go into detail about how to drop the lower unit to put every thing back in place.The manual is a very good investment,and allows you to do all type repairs and regular service to your motor. Keep us posted as to what you find

 

[further]

Re: 1988 Force 50 hp leaking oily substance

I did the same thing when changing out my LU oil for the first time earlier this summer; however, not knowing, i put the pin back in and had no issues so hopefully, if you haven't moved it around much you will be able to put it back in with no issues.
Good Luck!!

 

[Chevyjohn123]

Re: 1988 Force 50 hp leaking oily substance

Should I try running the motor in a barrell of water? If I do this and it shifts into and out of gear, does that mean I got lucky and happened to insert the pin back into the linkage?
On another note, any comments on my other problem dealing with the foamy oily stuff leaking out of the small hole right next to the bolt head?
Also, where can I purchase a shop manual and which brand of manual is the preferred one?
Thanks to all for the help........

 

[moparman]

Re: 1988 Force 50 hp leaking oily substance

with the plug wires off to keep it from accidentally starting, you can turn the prop by hand after you put the pin back in to see if you got lucky. Put the shifter in gear [forward or reverse] and try to turn the prop. Post back with your results, you can get manuals here at iboats if i'm not mistaken,either clymer or seloc . Hope this helps .................MOPARMAN.....ROLL TIDE

 

[Chevyjohn123]

Re: 1988 Force 50 hp leaking oily substance

Thanks Moparman, I'll give that a try.......and post what I find.

 

[further]

Re: 1988 Force 50 hp leaking oily substance

With the shifter in gear you should feel if the pin removal caused problems. The clymer manual is very good and seems to be mostly recommended here by all the others. I also have an OEM factory service manual that is good as well. This can be bought on ebay.
good luck

 

[Chevyjohn123]

Re: 1988 Force 50 hp leaking oily substance

I put the control in forward or reverse gear and can't turn the prop, It turns freely in neutral...........does this mean I got lucky??

 

[further]

Re: 1988 Force 50 hp leaking oily substance

Same thing with mine so probably yes, you got lucky!!

 

[moparman]

Re: 1988 Force 50 hp leaking oily substance

Sounds too good to be true ,but [there's that word again....] you may have lucked up. You need to hit the casino's NOW while your luck is good...LOL MOPARMAN ROLL TIDE