Help with Chrysler 50 shift linkage

[emoney]

Ok, hi first of all. Been more of a reader than a poster. So, I'm a Capricorn...oh, wait, probably wrong forum for that, huh?

On a more pressing note, however, I recently picked up an older boat with a Chrysler 50hp on the back. Model # is, 507H3D, and from what I'm garnering via the 'search' feature, leads me to understand it's a 1983 50hp. Makes sense because the boat's a 1984 and PO tho't it was original motor. Anyway, when I got the boat ready, in the driveway with muffs, motor seemed to be 'cold', but would run. Being in the boat with the "admiral" monitoring the telltale, I didn't think to ask her about the prop turning. Didn't run it long (I'm still a little scared of the muffs), and decided to put her in the water to get a better feel. Long story short, as soon as I turned the key, she lunged forward while tied at the dock. Put it back on the trailer, realized how dumb it had been to check the prop spin, took the cover off and found that somewhere down the line, someone had 'rigged' the linkage (which was missing the top part) to hold the motor into forward. I removed that contraption, shifted the motor manually, and it seems to work as I did check the prop this time. So, did a 'fleabay' search and found a comparable linkage (the whole unit) and I've ordered it. So, how does a person go about installing that to the remote cables? I'm watching the cable move in and out, but obviously there's nothing there connecting to the upper linkage. I'm afraid what I have coming is the actual linkage into the shaft, itself and not the part that would connect to the cable. Any help, suggestions? Will I be able to find just that portion of the assembly? I need to install this to make sure that she'll 'stay in gear' once there's a load on the motor. Any and all help is greatly appreciated and noone has ever confused me for a mechanic.

Sorry for the long post but I wanted to be descriptive. Thanks in advance for any all suggestions (at least the positive, 'feel-good' ones)...Eric

 

[robms6]

Re: Help with Chrysler 50 shift linkage

I have a 125 so I will be of no help but to offer you 2 websites that are great for diagrams-schematics / gen pricing / gen availability. boats.net/parts & crowleymarine.com


Sorry I cant be much help beyond that

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Help with Chrysler 50 shift linkage

On the cable side of the engine, attached to the cylinder drain cover is a stud. This stud holds a --for lack of a better word--Tee shaped plate between two nylon bushings and retained with (I think) a 9/16 nylock nut. The top of the plate contacts the neutral interlock switch and the bottom has a clamp for the cable. The horizontal leg faces forward and has a hole in it to receive the top of the shift rod which is retained by an E clip. It also has a bend in it to interlock with the timing tower so that timing can not be advanced more than a couple of degrees while the engine is in neutral. Hopefully, your complete linkage will include that part.

 

[wickware]

Re: Help with Chrysler 50 shift linkage

Will these Attachments help? JOW

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Help with Chrysler 50 shift linkage

Kudos to you JOW. They show the upper linkage quite nicely. I don't have any photos of my smaller engines. I see you are counting flywheel teeth to time the engine. Frank.

 

[emoney]

Re: Help with Chrysler 50 shift linkage

HUGE HELP!! Thanks, thanks and more thanks. The part enroute does have the "T shaped" part attached to the linkage. What I noticed in the pics that I won't have, however, is the square 'link' that connects the remote cable to the "T". Those pics and the advice is great and now I'm on a path. Anybody think I can purchase just that square link. I can see on my remote where it used to be attached and I've found where the "T" seems to mount, as well. What does one really call the "square link"? If that's not a readily available part, any suggestions on fabricating my own (keeping in mind the words, "limited skill" and/or "no talent". And, lastly, Wickware, any chance of getting a closeup of that particular part? It looks like a regular screw clamp on the cable itself, no?
Thanks again!

 

[wickware]

Re: Help with Chrysler 50 shift linkage

Please help me understand the close-up you need (I have many Pics and angles). Can you send a Pic of the area with the missing parts that might help me see your needs? JOW

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Help with Chrysler 50 shift linkage

Are you sure that you wont be getting the rectangular cable clamp? That part is swaged into the plate and not easily removable. Because of this, I don't think it is available as a separate part.

 

[emoney]

Re: Help with Chrysler 50 shift linkage

I will post (or at least try) the pic after work and thanks again, in advance.

I may be getting that part, the photo was a little weak, and if so, then I'm
good to go. I'm just a little worried because that's what it looked like, in terms of being difficult to put on. Hopefully it's there, but if not, what's a guy
to do next? Is it something that most definitely needs to be there and I should try to find and order another?

Also, what's the part that whole thing is bolted to? I see that the actual bolt post itself is part of another part, and from 1st inspection, at least a portion of that bolt has been broken off (maybe the reason it wasn't replaced). There's probably about 1/4" of the post left, maybe a little more, that the PO had put a nut on to secure a scrap piece of metal holding the gear into forward, so I know there's at least enough thread left for that. If it's not long enough, can I replace that other part and will it come with the bolt to attach this "T" bracket?

I'm sorry for asking so many questions, but I really hope to be able to avoid the 'Shop' as I know that a)they're extremely busy & b)rather expensive.

 

[emoney]

Re: Help with Chrysler 50 shift linkage

Another question, not related to the original but definitely to the motor. The whole motor is a "you-know-what" to turn. I've released the steering cable to verify it's not binding there, and it's not because it's still the same trying to turn from behind, without using the remote cables. I found what looks to be a grease fitting about halfway down where I would assume the 'pivot pin' to be. Is this the only place to put grease? And, is this something that is a common issue, or could I be lucky enough that adding the grease should loosen it? I wish my motor was as clean as "wick"'s, but the PO didn't believe in quality maintenance, I don't believe.

It's really sad when you think about it. The little motor runs great and is, in my opinion, rather quiet for an ob of this year. All the previous owners had to do was spend a few minutes taking care of it and she'd probably still look close to what she did coming from the factory. Oh, enough of my soap box.
You guys have been great putting up with me and I do appreciate your help.

 

[wickware]

Re: Help with Chrysler 50 shift linkage

I guess A "T? bracket is one of the concerns or needs. I?m not understanding which bracket that is to send you a closer picture. Just Let Me Know What Where? JOW

 

[emoney]

Re: Help with Chrysler 50 shift linkage

I'll take a closeup picture of the area when I get off today, but, as a description, it's the 3 pronged bracket that attaches to your remote shift cable on one end and to the shift linkage on the other. It's on the starboard side, like your pic shows, where to two remote cables are in the top portion of the motor. The concern now is the 'clip', if you will, that attaches to the remote cable itself, right at the bottom of that '3 prong bracket'.

The 1st picture you posted has the best view as of now. If you look at the bottom remote control cable, it has a screw/clamp attaching it to the "3 prong" bracket I'm talking about. A closeup of that would be ideal.

I'm probably not being very descriptive and apologize for not knowing the name of the part. That would've been much more helpfu, I'm sure. But i can get the picture tonight of the area I need a picture of (wow, sounds like I'm talking in circles, lol).:redface:

 

[emoney]

Re: Help with Chrysler 50 shift linkage

Wickware, after looking at your 2nd picture, that is so close to what I need. If you had a pic of that exact area, but a little bit lower that would show exactly what I'm looking for. That, btw, is a great pic of the '3 prong bracket', we're talking about. The white bracket, towards the left of the photo that starts just below the black electrical component. In the current pic, it doesn't show the bottom of that bracket. That's the one.

You've been great and I feel bad about asking for even more. Thanks very much for all your help!

 

[wickware]

Re: Help with Chrysler 50 shift linkage

This Should Be It!! Just below the neutral switch.

?Another question, not related to the original but definitely to the motor. The whole motor is a "you-know-what" to turn. I've released the steering cable to verify it's not binding there, and it's not because it's still the same trying to turn from behind, without using the remote cables. I found what looks to be a grease fitting about halfway down where I would assume the 'pivot pin' to be. Is this the only place to put grease? And, is this something that is a common issue, or could I be lucky enough that adding the grease should loosen it? I wish my motor was as clean as "wick"'s, but the PO didn't believe in quality maintenance, I don't believe.?

1. I have 2 zerk grease fitting and had to re-size and re-tap one. The old grease was a Bear but I broke through.
2. Wick?s engine has not always been clean. He retired in 03 and cleaned the engine since1985 in 2010.
3. I serviced the engine yearly and just got ashamed of the excess grease recently.

?Also, what's the part that whole thing is bolted to? I see that the actual bolt post itself is part of another part, and from 1st inspection, at least a portion of that bolt has been broken off (maybe the reason it wasn't replaced). There's probably about 1/4" of the post left, maybe a little more, that the PO had put a nut on to secure a scrap piece of metal holding the gear into forward, so I know there's at least enough thread left for that. If it's not long enough, can I replace that other part and will it come with the bolt to attach this "T" bracket??

1. The stud is on removable steel side-plate. Which means you can replace all or the stud.
Which is showing from a side?s back view.
2. A thinners nut with a cotter key outside through the shaft might work for you if needed.


Good Luck! JOW

 

[emoney]

Re: Help with Chrysler 50 shift linkage

That's it exactly. Thanks so much. Now I can see how it's supposed to be done and then when I get this part (hopefully tomorrow), I'll have a better feel for it.

As to the additional grease fitting; did you start with hard turning as well, and when you said, "finally got the old out", are you saying I need to try to remove the original grease and replace it. I saw a thread on installing a new fitting and it doesn't look too, too hard. So, if that's something that will help, that will be my next project.

Thanks again, JOW and happy boating!

 

[wickware]

Re: Help with Chrysler 50 shift linkage

I never had a problem, greasing yearly was part of my routine maintenance. It might have been recently that I saw signs of grease coming out at the top from an extra effort. Hopefully you?ll get grease into it from a ?hard push extra effort? to free it. Otherwise, ??personally?, I would consider trying to get a solvent into it to breakdown the old grease and flush etc.. Hopefully others with more experience will share on this matter. Has the engine been used in salt water and could this be a salt water issue??

Notice the 1/16 hole and needle I used to grease the pivot points due to noticing signs of wear. JOW

 

[emoney]

Re: Help with Chrysler 50 shift linkage

I see that in the pic. On mine, the only grease fitting I have is in the middle of the bracket? In your pic, that looks like the one you installed? Is that the case and if so, does having a grease point at the top make a big difference?

As for the 'salt water issue', most definitely. I'm in Florida and a great proportion of boats down here eventually hit the salt water. Are there seals, on I assume the top and bottom, of that pivot pin that could go bad? If so, how do you go about replacing them? I'm assuming engine removed from transom and then just disassemble the bracket??

Where I've gotten in that arena is this; I cleaned up the grease valve and got new grease finally pumping into it. After 17-19 pumps on the grease gun, I had old grease coming out the bottom. I pushed a little of that (5or6 more pumps) should I continue? I assumed, since it still looked like grease and felt like grease that old isn't that bad, but am I incorrect? It seemed to
turn a smidgeon easier, but it definitely ain't power-assisted rack and pinion, I tell you. I wonder if it's just a time process where I need to keep working the wheel/pivot pin and keep forcing the grease through there or is that just a work of futility?

 

[wickware]

Re: Help with Chrysler 50 shift linkage

?Shift Arm Bracket? is the only name I could find related to your part.

Look below the grease fittings (in that attachment) where the motor is mounted to the transom and you?ll see a small hole I drilled and the needle that fits in my grease gun.

I think you are making progress with the grease since it?s taking it. I noticed my top zerk is in a thicker shoulder. Do you see one like there is an option to add a top zerk. Otherwise, why not add one anyway. Except! Without the shoulder you have very little metal to add the zerk into. There are no seals that I know of. I remember not having an interest of trying to disassemble the pivot. Last, You might ask at your auto store or marina if there is a solvent or penetrating oil that would help flush the area (then grease.

Off the subject and should have been a PM: My Auto Adjuster is coming today to appraise damage from a Dash Fire that occurred Monday in my 1993 Explorer 116,000 miles (about 3,000 miles a year since 03?s retirement. The Dream Of My Life (just below my wife of 37 years) and Most Reliable Workhorse!! Due to age and cost of parts and labor he basically assured me that it will be totaled (not my wife). BUT! To me the damage is minimal, if I see it realistic, I?ll have the dash and etc replaced. All the damage is above the steering column. I saw a little smoke but never a flame as I fired a fire extinguisher under the dash to the end. Damages I can see just in front of the steering and above includes: sag in dash, ruined instrument cluster, cracked windshield, charred ignition cable and a mess from the extinguisher. JOW

 

[emoney]

Re: Help with Chrysler 50 shift linkage

First, let me say, thanks to you guys I now have my shift linkage problem corrected. I got the part today that I had ordered from Ebay, and thanks to God it had the other part I was worried about, attached. I actually put it on in about 5 minutes and it works perfectly. Your all's advice and your pics were priceless. (this is my very 1st outboard repair. at the age of 45 you'd think I would've encountered one before this, no?)

As to your truck; yes the insurance company will probably total it. Normally, due to the age, the damage only needs to be 75% of the book value to be considered a total loss and they use retail shop estimates to determine the #s. A lot of insurance companies will offer you the option of taking a lesser check and keep the vehicle then you can repair it yourself and still be in the black, money-wise. However, they normally relabel the title to read "salvage" which greatly affects it's resale value, depending on state anyway. Some companies, however, won't allow you to keep the vehicle for liability purposes. None of them will offer continued full coverage on it, I don't think, if they consider it a total loss. Even though you can fix it for a few hundred dollars, a dealership would order all new parts and with shop labor rate being around $85.00 an hour, average, you can see how quickly a small amount of damage will total a vehicle. Good luck and if nothing else, maybe you'll get to go "car shopping"! It is a buyer's market, don't forget!

 

[wickware]

Re: Help with Chrysler 50 shift linkage

?Continued Good Luck To You?! If you need any other Pics I might have, ?Just Ask?. I want my 1993 Explorer to continue to take care of my 1970, 35 HP Chrysler the next 2-3 years. LOL!! JOW