Hard Shifting Force 90HP Outboard

[Oldsaltydog]

I had to drop the lower unit in order to replace the seals. According to instructions, I put the shifter into forward gear beforehand, but it required quite a push. (I keep reading not to shift a non-running motor, but how can that be done, especially with remote controls?) In any case, now that I have the lower unit back in its place, the gear shifting is much harder than it used to be. What could the problem be, like a bent shifting rod? Any advice, please? (While I am at it, how can a person tell what gear the seperated lower unit is in and can it be then manually shifted if necessary? How can a person make certain that the remote gear shift and the lower unit are properly matched/adjusted?)Please help.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Hard Shifting Force 90HP Outboard

when unit is separarted spin drive shaft by hand clockwise. Only spin clockwise so you dont damage impeller. When you spin it clockwise the prop should spin clockwise as well. If it spins counter clockwise you are in reverse or if no spin you are in neutral. I dont have a force but on chrysler you can pull up and push down on shift linkage to put it in any gear you want. A reason you may be having to force unit back on is because your drive shaft splines are not lining up with the splines on the motor. If this happens make sure spark plug wires are disconnected and slowly turn flwheel a bit clock wise so the splines line up. Also before you assemble make sure you put anti sieze compound on the splines going to the power head.