55 chrysler reverse

[78big10]

got my 55 chrysler running good with your help had her out today really enjoyed it only problem is when i drop it in reverse it raises motor almost out of water ive got it idleing about as low as it will go i see there is a lever on the motor that says engage & disengage the lenkage has been disconected does this do something any ideas it is a 1972 Modle 557HD Thanks

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 55 chrysler reverse

Some had a lever and some had a cable. They both connected to a spring loaded curved plate at the bottom of the engine pivot yoke. When the cable was pulled or the lever turned, it lifted the curved piece and it did not engage the tilt adjusting pin running through both engine clamps. When the lever was turned the other way, or the cable button pushed in, the plate dropped down far enough to engage the tilt adjusting pin and keep the engine from lifting in reverse. If the bar from the lever to the plate is missing or if the cable from the button to the plate is missing or broken, the plate will drop down so far that it will not automatically snap over the tilt adjusting pin. The engine will just ride on the plate. You can lift the plate by hand while the engine is tilted up then release it when the engine is against the pin. If you replace the actuating bar or cable, you must adjust it so that the plate is held just at the level of the tilt pin--that is just touching the pin when it is snapped in position. Now, when in reverse, the engine will not rise, but if you hit an object or apply enough force, the engine will release and pop up to avoid or minimise damage.