linkage/spline problem

[jeffhvaughn]

Changed the water pump... Put lower unit back on, and gears outta whack with shifter. Discoverd that right above the lower unit (on the rear), where the shift rod inserts over the spline in the lower unit, a piece of metal (about the size of a quarter) is broken off. Now there is a lot of play in the shift rod and it is near impossible to get the rod to work with the spline.

question, what am I up against? What is this section of the motor called? It is below the powerhead and above the lower unit. Is it the stern drive?

 

[roscoe]

Re: linkage/spline problem

This is called the drive shaft housing, or mid-section.

Drop the lower unit.
Shift both the lower unit and the controls, into forward gear.

Work at it, you can get it lined up. Maybe get an extra set of hands to help.

 

[jeffhvaughn]

Re: linkage/spline problem

>>>Discoverd that right above the lower unit (on the rear), where the shift rod inserts over the spline in the lower unit, a piece of metal (about the size of a quarter) is broken off.

but what about this? I am afraid that even if I do get it lined up, it will come loose again... Do you know what I am talking about?

 

[roscoe]

Re: linkage/spline problem

Not really.
Gonna need to know the make, model, hp of the motor.

Is the missing piece part of the midsection, or the lower unit?

I would think that once the shift rod pieces are connected, they would stay connected until the lower unit is dropped.

A picture (or 2) is worth a thousand words.
If you can, take a photo and post it here.
Or email it to me at roscoe33@mac.com and I will post it for you.

 

[jeffhvaughn]

Re: linkage/spline problem

ok, just emailed you the pic... thanks!

 

[roscoe]

Re: linkage/spline problem

It looks like the shafts were not lined up when the lower unit was put on at some time. And the guide hole was broke open when the lower shift rod was forced up, breaking out the hole.

I don't think it would be possible for the shafts to move far enough to allow them to disengage.

You could rebuild the guide hole with a little JB Weld or similar product.
Be careful not to make the hole too small that it may restrict movement of the shaft.

This would keep large pieces of debris from entering.

I've seen worse, I would leave it be.

 

[roscoe]

Re: linkage/spline problem

HAve you had the motor running in this condition?
If so, was there any problem shifting it (while it was running)?

 

[jeffhvaughn]

Re: linkage/spline problem

ummm, yeah... this past weekend, 20 miles out in gulf of mexico, while approaching oil rig to tie up, I kicked it in reverse and it acceled in forward almost causing a collision... reverse worked just fine prior leaving the dock..

was it just not put back together good enough, OR did the extra space in the guide hole allow it to disconect the spline?