lower unit in gear

Joined
Sep 24, 2008
Messages
18
i recently resealed this motor with a new powerhead gasket set, before i did this the shifting mechanism was working just fine, i did remove the lower unit to get to the powerhead and now i've got it back together the shifting linkage isn't lining up where it needs to is it possible when i removed the lower unit it got pushed into a gear? if so how do i manually get it back does the rod going down the lower unit go up and down? and if so how can i tell which way to move the rod? i do know that when i turn the prop it feels like its in gear.. but i dont know which gear........
 

HybridMX6

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 22, 2008
Messages
676
Re: lower unit in gear

It is possible that it's in gear, the rod simply moves up for forward and down for reverse. Does it seem like it's too short or too high, or is is a different side-to-side difference? That rod also twists (it screws into your lower unit) and it you screw it in or out it will lengthen or shorten the height of the rod.
What year, hp, and/or model # is this motor?
 
Joined
Sep 24, 2008
Messages
18
Re: lower unit in gear

the motor is a 1974 i believe the model # is 50473... i'm not having an issue getting the linkage hooked to the rod, my issue is hooking the linkage to the lever where the cables connect on the engine itself.... like i said i dont know if its in gear as to the reason it wont go or if something is binding.....
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: lower unit in gear

put the motor in neutral, then adjust the nut on the shift cable to meet the connection on the motor.
 

ezeke

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 19, 2003
Messages
12,532
Re: lower unit in gear

Lift up on the shift rod while turning the propeller shaft to extend the shift rod as high as possible. Then move the shift lever on the engine to align the parts before replacing the pin.

If you turned the shift rod while working on the seals, you will need to reset the shift rod length to 16-7/32" +/- 1/32". Measure from the mating surface of the gearcase to the center of the hole in the top of the shift rod. The unit will need to be in reverse gear when measuring. Turning the shift rod clockwise lengthens.

You can make a satisfactory measuring tool with a pair of cheap yardsticks and a crosspiece.

If your motor is long-shaft, add 5" or 21-7/32 +-1/32.
 

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Joined
Sep 24, 2008
Messages
18
Re: lower unit in gear

okay so measuring from the center of the hole all i can see is about and inch of the rod what should the measurement be from the belly plate to the center of the hole??
 

ezeke

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 19, 2003
Messages
12,532
Re: lower unit in gear

"okay so measuring from the center of the hole all i can see is about and inch of the rod what should the measurement be from the belly plate to the center of the hole??"

That measurement is not in any service manual for any motor, but the very next time I get one like yours to work on I will be sure to pencil it into my manual. :)
 
Joined
Sep 24, 2008
Messages
18
Re: lower unit in gear

sorry, i'm like a total idiot when it comes to boats, now vehicles i can do... but what i was asking is, i have my linkages connected to the motor but when i use the control and put it in gear it goes in forward easily but has no reverse.. i can manually put it in reverse.. but my question was if i was understanding you're reply i'm going to have to drop the lower unit again or if i could just measure the rod from under the carbs? i'm assuming the unit's gotta come down AGAIN?
 

Gary H NC

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 1, 2005
Messages
8,972
Re: lower unit in gear

Yes,Remove it and measure the shift rod the right way.
I assume you had the shift rod off to do the new seals.
 
Joined
Sep 24, 2008
Messages
18
Re: lower unit in gear

ok i just removed the lower unit and think i found the problem, the item pictured in the image with the arrow. "number 85" which i believe is called the shift lever is cracked in half.... my next question is where can i get a part like that it seems like it will be kind of hard to find... the part # is 318556-6 i've already tried the boat stores locally and they dont even know what i'm talking about.... HELP please....
 

jonesg

Admiral
Joined
Feb 22, 2008
Messages
7,198
Re: lower unit in gear

ok i just removed the lower unit and think i found the problem, the item pictured in the image with the arrow. "number 85" which i believe is called the shift lever is cracked in half.... my next question is where can i get a part like that it seems like it will be kind of hard to find... the part # is 318556-6 i've already tried the boat stores locally and they dont even know what i'm talking about.... HELP please....


try here for the part

http://12.2.215.22/pub/default.asp?SessionId=b1451440873a4fceae2d30ee2cdbbef1&Lang=EN&brands=EJ
 
Joined
Sep 24, 2008
Messages
18
Re: lower unit in gear

thank you all for your help iboats has really saved me time and errors i really appreciate all the info and help! hopefully i can still get this soon and take it out on the river again before it gets TOO cold
 
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