1996 Force 120 transmission troubles

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Putting it into reverse today and giving it throttle immediately produced a grinding sound that sent chills down my spine.

Every subsequent try in reverse produced the same results (only tried twice more, was trying to dock).

What can I expect out of this do you think? I already have the service manual on order. How difficult/expensive is it to rebuild a boat tranny if you do the work yourself?

Thanks,
Matt

 

[JUSTINTIME]

Re: 1996 Force 120 transmission troubles

might just need a cable adjustment

 

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Re: 1996 Force 120 transmission troubles

might just need a cable adjustment

Do you know off hand if that would be in the boat service manual or engine service manual? I've got the engine manual on the way but not the boat.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[steamplant]

Re: 1996 Force 120 transmission troubles

I had a similar sound in my 85 HP force outboard. It turned out that my lower unit was trashed. However, you can verify that the shift lever is fully engaging the reverse gear and not partially engaged. If your engine is similiar to mine remove the cover and you will see where the two control cables are attached to the engine. 1 cable works the throttle, and will move the carb linkage. The other cable will move the gear shift lever.

Ground your ignition system so the engine can't start. Have a helper slowly turn the engine by hand, I used a socket on the flywheel nut, as you move the throttle control to the reverse position,(make sure you turn the engine in proper operating direction or you could damage your water pump) only the gearshift cable should move initially, this should engage reverse on the engine, see if the prop is turning, if it's not your cluch gear may not be fully engaged giving you this noise.

The book can tell you how to make the shift lever travel further, I did this last year so I'm not sure on the adjustment procedure.

good luck

 

[mergedplot]

Re: 1996 Force 120 transmission troubles

I had a similar sound in my 85 HP force outboard. It turned out that my lower unit was trashed. However, you can verify that the shift lever is fully engaging the reverse gear and not partially engaged. If your engine is similiar to mine remove the cover and you will see where the two control cables are attached to the engine. 1 cable works the throttle, and will move the carb linkage. The other cable will move the gear shift lever.

Ground your ignition system so the engine can't start. Have a helper slowly turn the engine by hand, I used a socket on the flywheel nut, as you move the throttle control to the reverse position,(make sure you turn the engine in proper operating direction or you could damage your water pump) only the gearshift cable should move initially, this should engage reverse on the engine, see if the prop is turning, if it's not your cluch gear may not be fully engaged giving you this noise.

The book can tell you how to make the shift lever travel further, I did this last year so I'm not sure on the adjustment procedure.

good luck

Thanks for the great reply. Will give what you suggest a shot.

As far as the lower unit being kaput, how much did it cost you and how difficult was it to replace/repair?

Thanks,
Matt

 

[steamplant]

Re: 1996 Force 120 transmission troubles

The lower unit can be rebuilt, it was to pricey for me, I picked up a good lower unit on e-bay, installed a new water pump and was good to go. Also when my lower unit failed it sounded terrible, metal to metal, and "puked" the gear oil out of the water pump intake.

 

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Re: 1996 Force 120 transmission troubles

To all who helped with replies, thanks!

I got it working. It was a cable adjustment issue. I am obviously pleased. No rebuilt lower end [yet], knock on wood or fiberglass.

Adjusted it to a little more reverse bias and forward still works perfect. Had an amazing Memorial Day weekend with Saturday and Monday out on the boat!

Thanks,
Matt

 

[JUSTINTIME]

Re: 1996 Force 120 transmission troubles

good news

glad u had fun!!!!