are my controls bad?

[drummer0901]

I have a 93 procraft with a blackmax 200 few weeks ago went to lake and no forward everything was fine the last time out. After limping back to dock in reverse I thought simple adjustment and off I go. After some reading and talking to a local mechanic he determined by guess my controls were bad. So I got some new controls and cable. And I don't have ant more adjustment than the old controls. The bottom of the plastic sleeve on the end of the cable bottoms out on the barrell and won't give me that last little bit to go into forward. Could there be something wrong with the shift shaft that goes to the lower unit? I have adjusted the cable as the manual says. I really am tired of working on this but can't afford to go to the shop if this is serious

 

[CharlieB]

Re: are my controls bad?

Have you forgotten to mention that you changed the water pump impeller?

If so then ou may have the shift shaft indexed incorrectly, off by one spliine.

If NOT then your shift cable MAY have been stretched and time for replacement.

Before you change anything, with the engine OFF and the lanyard pulled OFF, shift the control into Forward gear, try to turn the prop CCW to see if it locks into gear, if it ratchets, then disconnect the shift cable on the motor and see if the shift linkage moves any farther into forward, then again turn the prop CCW to see if it now locks into gear.

If NOT, then the lower unit needs service, possibly rounded off engagement dogs on the shift slider and forward gear.

 

[drummer0901]

Re: are my controls bad?

I have not had the lower unit off in a couple of years, although I need to put an impeller in it. I measured the cable and it is same specs that teleflex says it should be. If this is a lower unit issue, how much to fix? I don't have the specialty tools to work on lower unit.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: are my controls bad?

Always remember the K.I.S.S. principle.

Never assume that your lower unit needs work just because it doesn't go into gear.

A shift cable can stretch is little as 1/8 inch and NOT shift correctly, and it can be tough to measure an 1/8 difference in a 12 foot cable.

Test the shifting as I spelled out earlier, that will clearly show you if it is a cable problem of something inside the gearcase.

Repost after you have tested with your results.

 

[drummer0901]

Re: are my controls bad?

I think bad news, Manually shifted into forward. Ratchets slightly CCW. How much should this repair cost. I already have a new seal kit I bought last year when I thought the lower unit was leaking. Should I forget this lower unit and buy a new one advertised for $795?

Thanks for all your help

 

[drummer0901]

Re: are my controls bad?

Local mechanic says 4.5 hrs. labor and whatever parts. He says hopefully just the brass clutch designed to wear before gears break ? I already have a seal kit. $275 + parts seem to be a good repair?

 

[CharlieB]

Re: are my controls bad?

Ask your mechanic how much for a tear down and final estimate.

This way he can take it apart, inspect, and price all necessary parts and remaining labor to put it together correctly.

Also ask him that if it looks close to being more cost effective to replace the drive with the new unit can he give you the old one back in pieces in a box.

 

[drummer0901]

Re: are my controls bad?

Lower unit is cracked, no longer usable. Mechanic has a 2 yr old lower unit he will sell installed with new water pump for $700. Any parts on the old unit good?
I had a low water pickup and He told me last time it was a Hi Performance Lower unit

Do I have to have special tools to tear down, or better just to sell as is with cracked housing and possible clutch needed?