Force Fifty Drops Out of Drive

[Bob La Londe]

On my 1990 Force 50 507F90C it has gotten to where the drive seems to disengage very easily. The shift linkages appear to be adjusted correctly, but under load going down the lake or river it seems that the drive will disengage and the engine will rev up. What is the likely cause given that it appears to shift into gear easily and at the correct time. <br /><br />It has gotten worse after a trip up the river where it has had to plow throw a lot of weed beds.

 

[12Footer]

Re: Force Fifty Drops Out of Drive

You have a spun-out hub, Bob. To confirm this, paint a thin line from the prop nut to one of the blades. Take it for a cruise until it acts-up. Inspect your line. If it moved, the hub has let go of the prop.<br />This is the weak link on this l/u setup. Most hubs are, but this one is unusually sensitive.<br />It pays to keep a spare prop in the bilge for this reason.<br />These l/u's cannot handle hole shots (or weed beds) at all. On the plus-side, such a hyper hub will generally protect the rest of the drive train when it fails....Like a fuse protects the radio.

 

[Bob La Londe]

Re: Force Fifty Drops Out of Drive

Interesting. I didn't think it was well enough design to have ahub that would give. I twisted a drive shaft on this motor when I hit an obstruction a while back. Fortunately I was able to pick up a cheap donor motor.

 

[Bob La Londe]

Re: Force Fifty Drops Out of Drive

I actually do have a spare prop onboard the boat by the way...

 

[Bob La Londe]

Re: Force Fifty Drops Out of Drive

You were right. Its a spun prop. Fortunately it was an old beat up prop.