'58 V-4 slipping out of gear

[autogun]

I just purchased a '61 Penn Yan with a '58 V-4 Fat Fifty, It seemed to run OK except for this constant 'chunking' and then gears slipping and popping out of gear. The shift rod connector bolts seemed tight, but the rod was so far out of center, that I had to pry it over and was still hard to get a 1/4" drive wobble socket on it...I've never been into a lower unit before, where do I start... I noticed that the iboat marine store lower unit seal kit application chart doesn't go back to '58, should I try the oldest application available (mid 60's)? Much Thanks for any help.

 

[BonairII]

Re: '58 V-4 slipping out of gear

You probably have a bad clutch dog. Not an easy/cheap fix.

 

[F_R]

Re: '58 V-4 slipping out of gear

The symptoms are classic and well known. You have a wornout clutch dog, and probably forward gear too. If allowed to continue clunking it can beat the shift linkage to death too. At this point only an inspection can tell.

The 50 is a totally different lower unit than the standard 1960's 75hp. However the old 50hp gearcase was offered as a "Heavy duty" option for a few years on the 60-65-75hp motors.

EDIT:
305315 clutch dog is $100
305317 gear is $100 (same number fits both fwd and rev)

EDIT EDIT: When you were prying on the shifter, was the throttle in slow position? An interlock prevents shifting when throttle is advanced. ALSO, it often is impossible to get it "in gear" when not running. Or at least twirl the prop till it "fits" into gear.

 

[autogun]

Re: '58 V-4 slipping out of gear

Thanks for the quick replies, I was (very) lucky enough to find not only another Fat 50 for parts, but its the exact same model and looks complete except for the prop. I guess the plan now is to swap the lower units out and see if the other one is any good...Thanks Much for the help

 

[Chris1956]

Re: '58 V-4 slipping out of gear

Autogun, Don't swap lower units yet. It is very likely both of them are bad, but you can use the parts to build a good one. First examine the shift linkage for play on all the moving parts. If any of the parts have less play, use them on your motor. Now open the gearcase up. You will need a hand impact driver, hammer and some permatex #2. Inspect the shift dog where it meets the forward gear, as well as the bearings, shift cradle and the bushings. Hopefully the bushings and bearings have zero play. Shift cradles are cheap to replace, so if it is worn, replace it. Pick the gear and side of the dog with the least worn or rounded edges and reassemble. Either gear will work as forward, and either side of the dog will work as well. Use some permetex on the mating surfaces when you close her up. Adjust the linkage at the powerhead so it goes into and comes of gear, when the scribed lines match.

Water test it gently. If she still slips, consider adjusting to allow more forward gear movement. You will no longer have any reverse, but the motor will still be useable.

 

[autogun]

Re: '58 V-4 slipping out of gear

Thanks, I'll check out all the parts...meanwhile I discovered that one of the water tubes is bent, almost kinked. It's the longer tube, looks like return, apparently it hasn't been inserted into the lower housing for awhile, but it looks like it just drains anyway, should this be a concern? I

 

[Chris1956]

Re: '58 V-4 slipping out of gear

The return tube allows the waterpump to recirculate the cooling water until the motor warms the water up. At that point the heated water is discharged thru the spitter on the rear of the midsection. It is not a deal breaker if it doesn't recirculate the water (it is a 54 YO motor after all). I ran mine open circuit for years since I was too cheep to buy another thermostat, after the replacement 'stat went bad is a matter of weeks. That motor has a high tolerance for abuse.... Heck, I dropped a Fatty into 5' of salt water while it was running at 2/3 throttle. It even got over that.....

 

[autogun]

Re: '58 V-4 slipping out of gear

Thanks for the info, I was trying to loosen the water tube on the doner motor, and it was distorting. Looks like it is held in place by 'o'ring, and is probably pretty stiff by now, at the same time I'm trying to straighten the bent tube some...

 

[autogun]

Re: '58 V-4 slipping out of gear

Update, I took a chance and just swapped lower units. I did get the return tube inserted. Took her for a test run this afternoon. Everything seemed to work just fine. Starts, runs, shifts, idles, pumps water, smooth acceleration and NO clunking. I may have lucked out...