No Reverse and propeller slowly rotates on neutral

Horse4190

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Jun 18, 2018
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Hi, I have 1998 Bayliner Capri with a Force Outboards (85HP) from US Marine Power. I tried last Saturday in the small lake and it runs well. The only problem is NO reverse and when I start on neutral, it goes forward slowly. When putting the Throttle Lever on reverse, it goes forward also with high acceleration. Anybody can guess what the issue is please?

I also replaced the bottom gear oil. There are 4 screws (Vent screw, Fill Screw, Drain Screw and the Shift Pivot Screw). By mistake, I also removed the Shift Pivot Screw and was hardly to put it back. Do you think problem for not reversing is because of the Shift Pivot Screw? Thanks for your help on this.
 

Jiggz

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Oct 23, 2009
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You may have replaced the inadvertently removed shift pivot screw. But there is more to than just threading it in. There needs to be a hole for the shift link to pivot and this is with the hole inside the pivot screw. If not, the shift link will not function properly.

The next best thing to do is to drop the LU again and then remove the pump unit, raise drive shaft cover and inspect the link to make sure it is actually riding the pivot screw. Be very careful in raising the shaft cover to preserve the seal.
 

GA_Boater

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
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Was the shifting like this before the lower until lube change?

I'll guess it was OK before and the issue is the pivot screw isn't in the shift pivot as Jiggz said.
 

jerryjerry05

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Yup pivot pin didn't connect right when you put it back in.
You'll need to drain/drop/disassemble.
Removing the front cover can be tricky, It will break if you don't do it carefully.
 

Horse4190

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Jun 18, 2018
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Thanks. Jerry - when you say front cover, is that the Gear Housing? The Shift Pivot Screw does not have a hole as Jiggz was asking and small in size. To avoid opening the whole thing and draining the gear oil again, I am planning if I can pull out the Shift Pivot Screw again and rotate the propeller to catch the whole? Or even shift the Lever little bit?
 

Jiggz

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Just to give you an idea what you're up against, here's a pick of the shift coupler . . .
 

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jerryjerry05

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The pic: it shows the "pivot bolt" that hole is where the screw goes.
You moved it somehow when the screws was removed.
It can drop out of alignment when the screw is removed.
You have about a 5% chance of putting it back in after the screws been removed and he couplers dropped.
The front cover is where the shift rod enters the front of the drive in front of the pump housing.
 

Horse4190

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Jun 18, 2018
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Thanks Jerry. Very informative. I will try again as much as I can to put it back and hopefully I can make it. Right now the propeller is not free wheeling - is that I have to turn the propeller (left or right) until I get the hole or shift a little bit the Throttle lever?
 

jerryjerry05

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The prop doesn' affect the location.
You can try lifting the shift rod up and down and try to reinstall the pin(drop drive, access to the rod is easier)
https://www.iboats.com/shop/engine-parts/1988-Force-125-HP-0C1258F8B-Gear-Housing-Parts.html
This diagram Part# 45/46/73 they have to align

But if the prop or drive shafts been turned? the chances get worse:(
Look at an exploded view of the parts diagram(they have it here in the parts section, will take some looking but can be found)I found it for you.
You'll see where the tiny parts need to go.
Most times some assy. grease is needed to hold the parts in place. so they can be guided together.

Good luck.
 

Horse4190

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Jun 18, 2018
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Thanks Jerry. I can't lift the Shift Rod from the top up and down using my hand. Looks like the Shift Pivot Screw or Pin is attached to the hole - I hope so. My bigger issue now is the throttle lever as NO reverse. When I shift to reverse, its goes forward and when I put to neutral, the propeller is still running slowly. It accelerates when I pushed it down to forward.
 

Isa4325

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Oct 7, 2017
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That coupler on the end of the shift shaft is also out and now in the bottom of the prop shaft compartment hopefully in the oil and not chewed up in trying to shift gears. I had to completely remove my prop shaft and shaking the shift pilot out of the shaft area. The reinstall the shift pin properly before installing shift guide back on the shift shaft aligning with a ice pick first. Pain in the ass.
 

Isa4325

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Oct 7, 2017
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That coupler on the end of the shift shaft is also out and now in the bottom of the prop shaft compartment hopefully in the oil and not chewed up in trying to shift gears. I had to completely remove my prop shaft and shaking the shift pilot out of the shaft area. The reinstall the shift pin properly before installing shift guide back on the shift shaft aligning with a ice pick first. Pain in the ***.

How do I edit my post?
 

Jiggz

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At the bottom right of each post (only on your own postings) and only at the current session (meaning you haven't logged out or shut down your computer), there should be an "Edit" option to edit one's post.
 

jerryjerry05

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I've kept forgetting to add this to the post.
The prop turning in N as the motor runs.

The oil's thick and when the shaft turns it moves the oil and in turn it can make the prop move.
 

Scaaty

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May 31, 2004
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Gotta chime in here (not so good news). Why the hell they didn't do some sort of plug or cover, but its ALL over the manual "DO NOT REMOVE THAT PHILLIPS SCREW:! Hate to tell ya but ya gotta drop the LU, and ALL the guts gotta come out now. The ONLY way to fix it. I had a 125 Force (same case) and snapped a D/S. The first thing putting back together IS THAT SHIFT PIN! And ZERO way to get at withOUT all the guts out. And will need new crush washer, seal kit, etc and more If ya can find it now be $100 just that. Only way to do it..(put new impeller total kit too)
Also a tidbit info if (when) the tiny front bottom bullet drain corrodes in, simple way to drain oil is full down case, prop and anode off, remove the 2 bottom bearing carrier bolts. 90% oil will drain out. Then just put new o-ring on the bolts. Easy.
Wish the best....
 

jerryjerry05

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When the allen head set screw won't budge.
I use a propane torch.
After a few seconds it loosens enough to get it free.

The heat won't affect anything in the drive.
 

Horse4190

Seaman
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Jun 18, 2018
Messages
61
Thanks Scaaty. I made a mistake and must admit it. Can you let me know what the parts #s are and where to buy - maybe amazon?
 

Horse4190

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Jun 18, 2018
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10524833_LRG.jpg


Hi Jerry - will this kit helps to repair the lower unit?
 
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