5.5 Evinrude shift problem

Jack Mears

Seaman
Joined
Oct 12, 2008
Messages
64
Hey Guys:
I just sold a 1962 5.5hp Evinrude a few days ago. Cheap! Model #5522.
Tested it in the tank for the guy before he bought it. All OK .
Today he brings it back, says the prop don't turn when he puts it in gear.
Back in the tank. Sure enough, she's a no go. Shear pin OK.
Anyone have any ideas whats going on here. I don't want to tear down the lower end if I don't need to.
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
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Nov 11, 2005
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51,019
Re: 5.5 Evinrude shift problem

l had a 9.5 that spun the prop hub. between the inner and outer metal.
 

Jack Mears

Seaman
Joined
Oct 12, 2008
Messages
64
Re: 5.5 Evinrude shift problem

The prop is OK.
Funny thing is- I put the motor in gear (on the stand) and turn the prop by hand and the motor will turn. Both ahead and astern. Put it back in the tank and the same thing-prop doesn't turn when engine is running.
Any ideas what's going on with this Fisherman?
 

jbjennings

Captain
Joined
Jul 18, 2007
Messages
3,903
Re: 5.5 Evinrude shift problem

I believe you have a spun hub like TD said. You can't tell the hub is bad by looking at it. You can't even tell there's rubber inside there. Turn the flywheel with the ignition disconnected so it won't start and see if it turns the drive shaft when in gear. If so it's either the hub or the shear pin. You've already eliminated the shear pin as a possibility.
Last of all, there is a "shock absorber" in the lower unit that does funny things when it goes out; it could be that. I'm guessing hub, though.
JMO,
JBJ
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: 5.5 Evinrude shift problem

I believe you have a spun hub like TD said. You can't tell the hub is bad by looking at it. You can't even tell there's rubber inside there. Turn the flywheel with the ignition disconnected so it won't start and see if it turns the drive shaft when in gear. If so it's either the hub or the shear pin. You've already eliminated the shear pin as a possibility.
Last of all, there is a "shock absorber" in the lower unit that does funny things when it goes out; it could be that. I'm guessing hub, though.
JMO,
JBJ

If it really is a 1962, it doesn't have a rubber hub in the prop. And since it isn't the shear pin, he will have to take it apart to see what is busted.

Bad shock absorber in gearcase?
Broken key at bottom of shock absorber?
Broken drive shaft?
Drive shaft spun in shock absorber?
Splines stripped?
Gears wiped out?
 

bktheking

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Jul 29, 2008
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5,057
Re: 5.5 Evinrude shift problem

If it really is a 1962, it doesn't have a rubber hub in the prop. And since it isn't the shear pin, he will have to take it apart to see what is busted.

Bad shock absorber in gearcase?
Broken key at bottom of shock absorber?
Broken drive shaft?
Drive shaft spun in shock absorber?
Splines stripped?
Gears wiped out?

Willing to bet on the shock, same exact symptom and issue with my 7.5 . Put it in gear and nothing, spin it while off and works fine. When the break they take out the bearing plate (at least on mine it did). I ended up welding mine back together with a mig welder and finding a used bearing plate. Just for fun put it in gear without it running and rotate the prop, when they are off the shock if broken will bite causing the flywheel to turn.
 

Jack Mears

Seaman
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Oct 12, 2008
Messages
64
Re: 5.5 Evinrude shift problem

Thanks to all you guys who offered advice about my Fisherman shift problems.
I'll pull the powerhead and work down from there.
That shaft coupling is my guess as to the problem. We'll see.
Thanks again!
 

1946Zephyr

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Oct 21, 2008
Messages
5,556
Re: 5.5 Evinrude shift problem

Yep, I have a motor just like it. Infact, I just rebuilt the lower unit for it last week. I found a broken shock absorber and upper bearing housing in mine too. I bought another lower unit to rebuild and the shock absorber in it, has already been welded.:cool:
 

bktheking

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Jul 29, 2008
Messages
5,057
Re: 5.5 Evinrude shift problem

Yep, I have a motor just like it. Infact, I just rebuilt the lower unit for it last week. I found a broken shock absorber and upper bearing housing in mine too. I bought another lower unit to rebuild and the shock absorber in it, has already been welded.:cool:

Zeph I just lucked out. Just won an auction on a 5.5 tiller handle and the seller is throwing in the shock for free, just hope its good.
 

Jack Mears

Seaman
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Oct 12, 2008
Messages
64
Re: 5.5 Evinrude shift problem

Thanks to all you guys who replied to my shift problem!
The coupling spring was broken, the main shaft was damaged and the waterpump impeller was about to go t.u.
The gears are good. Power head is good. Pretty good motor for the shape it's in!
Now to find parts.
 
Last edited:

bktheking

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Jul 29, 2008
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5,057
Re: 5.5 Evinrude shift problem

Thanks to all you guys who replied to my shift problem!
The coupling spring was broken, the main shaft was damaged and the waterpump impeller was about to go t.u.
The gears are good. Power head is good. Pretty good motor for the shape it's in!
Now to find parts.

The driveshaft was damaged too? The shock- they are $80 new or you can get it mig welded if not you can send it to me and I can have it welded. I have a driveshaft if you want it. PM me if you are interested.

The shaft I have is out of a 7.5, measures 20 5/16, top to the top pin is 2 5/16, bottom to the pin is 3 5/8 inches. Pin to pin 14 1/4.
 

1946Zephyr

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Oct 21, 2008
Messages
5,556
Re: 5.5 Evinrude shift problem

Zeph I just lucked out. Just won an auction on a 5.5 tiller handle and the seller is throwing in the shock for free, just hope its good.

Right on. How much did that set you back? I may have my old shock absober welded and put it on the shelf, just to have a spare.

I just painted my lower unit today and will put it back on this week and try it out. I have it full of oil and sitting in my closet, so the paint will dry good and no oil leaks.:D So that is a good sign.
 

Jack Mears

Seaman
Joined
Oct 12, 2008
Messages
64
Re: 5.5 Evinrude shift problem

The driveshaft was damaged too? The shock- they are $80 new or you can get it mig welded if not you can send it to me and I can have it welded. I have a driveshaft if you want it. PM me if you are interested.

The shaft I have is out of a 7.5, measures 20 5/16, top to the top pin is 2 5/16, bottom to the pin is 3 5/8 inches. Pin to pin 14 1/4.

I have a 1956 5.5 (mod. 5512) parts motor lined up but don't know whats good and what's not so I will let you know this weekend if I need your parts.
I'll have to do the measurements first.
Thanks for the reply!
Jack Mears
 
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