'93 40 hp Stuck in forward gear

[tabbott]

I recently purchased this boat and have used it approx 10 outings. Today while attempting to shift into reverse it actually moved forward. In the neutral position, it is still in forward gear. The linkage seems to be working correctly when I shift the control but nothing other than forward is occurring. I have drained the oil in the lower unit. I did not find any chunks of metal on the magnet. The oil was kinda dark but not milky or full of water. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[DJ]

Re: '93 40 hp Stuck in forward gear

Look under the carburetor. IS the shift shaft moving with the linkage?<br /><br />THe shift shaft is the shaft comes up from the lower unit and connects to the linkage.

 

[tabbott]

Re: '93 40 hp Stuck in forward gear

The metal shaft is moving both directions when moving the linkage. Thanks for such quick response.

 

[DJ]

Re: '93 40 hp Stuck in forward gear

Moving up and down-right?

 

[tabbott]

Re: '93 40 hp Stuck in forward gear

Originally posted by DJ:<br /> Moving up and down-right?

I am talking about the metal shaft below the linkage. It moves back and forth in a horizontal direction. I looked directly under the carbs and did not see the shaft that you are referring to. I will go check right now and see if I missed something.

 

[tabbott]

Re: '93 40 hp Stuck in forward gear

Yep I missed it. I see the linkage moving under the carbs but when watching the shaft between the motor pivot and the lower unit, I detect no movement. Am I looking at the right place?<br />Thanks

 

[DJ]

Re: '93 40 hp Stuck in forward gear

Yes sir. It may have become disconnected. There should be a nut or cotter pin (can't remember) that holds that shaft to the linkage.<br /><br />In the meantime, move it up or down-manually and see if it changes the situation. I believe "up" is reverse. You may have to have someone spin the prop while you try to change it.<br /><br />Do this with the ENGINE OFF.

 

[tabbott]

Re: '93 40 hp Stuck in forward gear

There is a hex nut on the linkage below the carbs. It seems pretty darn tight down there. By the way, it appears that I am looking at the coupling. Any suggestions on how to get hold of the shaft in that tight space?

 

[rodbolt]

Re: '93 40 hp Stuck in forward gear

hello<br /> the shift dissconnect is a tiny bolt that enters the connector block from the port side. it may have come out. split the pans or remove the starter for easier access/

 

[DJ]

Re: '93 40 hp Stuck in forward gear

By the way, the port side is the left side-standing behind the engine.<br /><br />Watch the linkage as someone shifts the engine between forward-nuetral and reverse. You'll see how it works. The gear shift linkage moves before the throttle linkage. It should be obvious if anything is disconnected.

 

[tabbott]

Re: '93 40 hp Stuck in forward gear

Thanks for the help. I am gonna go out and see if I can make some sense of this. My wife is the control person. She is not very happy about this. I hope I can get it solved before I wind up in the dog house! Thanks and I'll post if I have any further problems.<br />Tim

 

[DJ]

Re: '93 40 hp Stuck in forward gear

Let us know.

 

[tabbott]

Re: '93 40 hp Stuck in forward gear

OK fellas,<br /> I have determined as you said that the linkage bolt is gone. I removed the starter to determine this. Should I seperate the clam shell to find this bolt or buy a new one? I think that it is at the lowest point and not visible. I will try fishing a pickup tool but Im not feeling lucky.<br />Thanks for all of the help.<br />Tim

 

[DJ]

Re: '93 40 hp Stuck in forward gear

It's always worth a try.<br /><br />Any John/Rude dealer will have it and the nut. As I remember, many of them were a special necked down stainless bolt with a locknut. Be prepared, it may $20.00 or so.<br /><br />While you're there, have them show you the exploded parts diagram. That way you can be sure it is missing.

 

[tabbott]

Re: '93 40 hp Stuck in forward gear

It appears that the nut is a captured nut on the starboard side of the linkage. What do you mean by necked down?

 

[DJ]

Re: '93 40 hp Stuck in forward gear

The threads may be a larger diameter than the bolt.

 

[tabbott]

Re: '93 40 hp Stuck in forward gear

OK Im going bolt fishing. Probably easier than the bass anyway. Thank You DJ.<br />Tim

 

[DJ]

Re: '93 40 hp Stuck in forward gear

Anytime. Let us know how you make out.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: '93 40 hp Stuck in forward gear

Remove the port side lower engine cover and this job becomes much easier. An it will allow easier "bolt fishing" as well.

 

[tabbott]

Re: '93 40 hp Stuck in forward gear

Hello fellas,<br /> I seperated the clam shells and found the bolt. I got it all back together and am back in the saddle. I thank you all for your expert input and will be back if I have any problems in the future. Again, thanks for the advice.<br />Tim