Force 120 Shifting Problem

[Joey1805]

I just had my 1993 Bayliner 1800 with a Force 120 out on the lake this weekend to decarb the engine. Prior to this trip, I changed the water pump and impeller so I wanted to make sure everything was running good as well.<br /><br />When I first launched the boat and it slipped off the trailer, I put it into reverse. I hear a loud clunking noise sounding like it is not quite into reverse just yet. I give it a little gas in reverse and the clunking goes away. My guess is that it didn't quite get pushed into gear far enough. What would cause this? I put it into forward with no gas and it worked fine. The problem seems to be just barley popping it into reverse doesn't actually put it into reverse just yet. I know there is a little shift rod and a coupler goes over that, then a codder pin goes through that. I looked at it and it seems fine. The only thing I did additional to changing the water pump/impeller is turn the idle adjustment screw in a little bit to raise my idle. <br /><br />What do you think is the problem is guys?<br />Thanks - Joey

 

[roscoe]

Re: Force 120 Shifting Problem

Sounds like the shift shaft needs to be adjusted.<br />I don't have a manual for your motor, hopefully you do. They used many different setups on the Force motors over the years.

 

[WhiteHorse]

Re: Force 120 Shifting Problem

Very easy, though tedious, on Force Motors. The adjustment is a pair of 1/2" nuts directly under the bottom carb. One is above the shift linkage bracket, and one is below it to lock it in place. <br />You will need to righty-tighty the bottom nut, and the tighten the top one to bring it down firm and sandwich the bracket. Try it one full turn at a time.