Another Outdrive doesn't engage problem!

[gksail]

OK, I did my best to search the other threads to see if I could resolve this problem. Although I learned a lot, I still wasn't able to answer one question.

I have a 1975 V-20 Steplift that was given to me last week. It has a GM Inline 6 165 Mercruiser with as best as I can tell a Mercruiser R or MR outdrive.

The drive will not engage in forward or reverse. I disconnected the lower shift cable and tried to engage it manually with the motor running but no luck. When the motor is NOT running, I can shift the remote shifter into gear and the prop WILL lock in both forward and reverse. So it seems I have continuous connection on my shift linkage. Can anyone give me some advise as to where I should look next.

 

[merctec]

Re: Another Outdrive doesn't engage problem!

OK, I did my best to search the other threads to see if I could resolve this problem. Although I learned a lot, I still wasn't able to answer one question.

I have a 1975 V-20 Steplift that was given to me last week. It has a GM Inline 6 165 Mercruiser with as best as I can tell a Mercruiser R or MR outdrive.

The drive will not engage in forward or reverse. I disconnected the lower shift cable and tried to engage it manually with the motor running but no luck. When the motor is NOT running, I can shift the remote shifter into gear and the prop WILL lock in both forward and reverse. So it seems I have continuous connection on my shift linkage. Can anyone give me some advise as to where I should look next.

Alpha/R/MR shift in the lower. If the upper gears are shelled, it will still lock when not running but will never go into gear and move the boat. Check your gear oil for metal shavings/chunks. Or just pull the four bolts in the top cap and look at the gears. Hope this isnt the case for you but it sounds possible.
Jared

 

[Bondo]

Re: Another Outdrive doesn't engage problem!

Alpha/R/MR shift in the lower. If the upper gears are shelled, it will still lock when not running but will never go into gear and move the boat. Check your gear oil for metal shavings/chunks. Or just pull the four bolts in the top cap and look at the gears. Hope this isnt the case for you but it sounds possible.
Jared

Ayuh,.... Exactly, 'n Welcome Aboard,...

Btw,... If the drive is original, it'll be an MC-1, but Jared's post is still dead on...

I'd drain the drive, lookin' for metal in the oil, then pull the lower, 'n then the upper...

If the upper gears Aren't beat, it may well be the top of the vertical shaft of the lower, that sheared off at the o-ring groove...

 

[gksail]

Re: Another Outdrive doesn't engage problem!

Thanks Guys for the reply. Unfortunately for me, both of you were dead on in your diagnosis. I pulled the top cap off and the upper gears are definitely toast. If I replace the upper unit only, How do I clean any possible metal shavings out of the lower? Can I flush it or does It need to be taken apart?Thanks for your help!

 

[merctec]

Re: Another Outdrive doesn't engage problem!

You can pull it apart and flush and re seal it. If youre rebuilding yourself, the old R/MR's are real easy if you have the right equipment. or i think you can buy a whole bolt on upper/lower for like 1100 ready to go. no sure what the rules are on here about mentioning companys names but if you search a little im sure youll find them

 

[Bondo]

Re: Another Outdrive doesn't engage problem!

Thanks Guys for the reply. Unfortunately for me, both of you were dead on in your diagnosis. I pulled the top cap off and the upper gears are definitely toast. If I replace the upper unit only, How do I clean any possible metal shavings out of the lower? Can I flush it or does It need to be taken apart?Thanks for your help!

Ayuh,... Like merctec says,... A brand new SEI drive is cheaper than fixin' the 1 you've got....