force 120 wont shift

[fidnee]

hello, another problem for you. have 97 force 120. starts up no problem, seems to be stuck in foward. prop is spinning at a low rpm, wont go into nuetral or reverse. tried to shift it manually also, after i disconnected the cable, but it didnt work it has a spline shaft connection, and the only thing i did was lower unit to cange oil and impeller...any guesses?<br /> Dave

 

[eurolarva]

Re: force 120 wont shift

Sounds like the shift linkage is not hooked up correctly.

 

[fidnee]

Re: force 120 wont shift

there is no shift linkage except by the top of motor. I even tried to manually move the linkage and it wouldnt go into gear, its a spline shaft connection. there was no metal shavings in the oil when i changed it.<br /> dave

 

[Oldsaltydog]

Re: force 120 wont shift

For what it's worth, on my 1998 90HP the shifter is supposed to be in forward gear before you drop the lower unit, in other words when you mate them back togeteher, they will be both in forward gear.

 

[roscoe]

Re: force 120 wont shift

Probably did not have the lower unit and shift shaft in the same gear when you re-assembled it.<br /><br />Drop the unit agin.<br />Put the lower unit into forward gear.<br />Put the shifter into forward gear.<br />Re-install lower unit, making sure not to turn the shift shaft.

 

[fidnee]

Re: force 120 wont shift

roscoe,<br /> ok i will give it a try, i know we are on the right track.

 

[fidnee]

Re: force 120 wont shift

roscoe,<br /> I am assuming if the prop is spinning it is already in foward gear, So if I drop the unit, do I still have to manually put it into gear, also if the lower unit is off, how do I know if its in fowars, or how do i get it ther, thanks<br /> dave

 

[eurolarva]

Re: force 120 wont shift

If you turn the drive shaft clockwise the prop should also spin clockwise for forward. If you spin the driveshaft clockwise and the prop spins counter clockwise you are in reverse. When you have the lower unit on the motor you can turn the flywheel clockwise to see what gear you are in. Be sure to remove spark plug wires( so motor wont start) and only turn flywheel clockwise.