replaced impeller now shift problems

[manstang46]

i have an older pre-alpha sterndrive 3.0, i replaced the impeller and now i can't get the boat into neutral or to shift correctly at all. I started to mess with the shift cable but quickly gave up due to not having a manual or clue!! i believe the shifter was in neutral when i removed the lower gear case and put it back on. but the gear case may have been in gear. is there any way to adjust the cable without pulling the lower gear case off or what should i do?!!! i ordered a manual this morning.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: replaced impeller now shift problems

Welcome aboard!

You can also download the manual for free from the "adults only" sticky at the top of the page.

You will need to double check your installation first. It is possible you forgot this washer:

That will cause the shift shaft to drop down too far to mate with the "shoe."

It is also much easier to make sure everything is in forward gear when reinstalling.

 

[manstang46]

Re: replaced impeller now shift problems

Ok, so i pulled the lower gear case back off and and made sure the throttle was in full forward. when i pulled the lower off i noticed that the shift shaft (is that what it's called) in the upper gear case would drop down. and you could spin it freely. Is this supposed to happen? so i turned it until it felt like it seated (while holding this shaft into place) and i proceeded to reinstall the lower gear case. i had the lower gear case in forward gear when i installed it as well. so now the prop is locked in forward and i can't get it out of forward. I just did all this yesterday and didn't get this post in time to see the post about the washer. If i remember correctly i think there was a washer that looked like it was old and bent on the ground after the first time around. I think this is the last time i have a friend help that says he knows what hes doing....

 

[Fishermark]

Re: replaced impeller now shift problems

I just did all this yesterday and didn't get this post in time to see the post about the washer.

If you're going to ask a question, you might want to check for an answer before trying it again.


Before taking it back off, raise the outdrive and see if the shift shaft is fully engaged in the "shoe." If it is not, that means you forgot the washer and you need to pull it again.

As you noticed, with the lower off, the shaft freely spins and is not engaged with the shoe. The washer raises the height when assembled so that it does engage.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: replaced impeller now shift problems

shift shaft (is that what it's called) in the upper gear case would drop down. and you could spin it freely. Is this supposed to happen?

There are 3 shift shafts: upper in the bellhousing, when in forward it should point straight ahead. Intermediate in the upper drive housing, yes it is free to spin. Lower in gearcase. That is the small splined shaft in the front of the gearcase. To put it back together: Shift the boat into forward, rotate the lower shift shaft all the way clockwise (forward), and make sure the washer is in place. Slide the lower and upper together making sure the intermediate shaft slides onto the lower shaft facing straight ahead. make sure that the intermediate mates into the upper. Good luck.

 

[manstang46]

Re: replaced impeller now shift problems

haha i know i wish i had checked before hand.

When you say "shoe" though, what do you mean?

And thank you for your help. another question is, will everything shift properly with the boat out of the water, with the engine off, if i have everything installed properly?

 

[Fishermark]

Re: replaced impeller now shift problems

It needs to mate with this part - the "shoe."

If you are shifting it without the engine running, have someone turn the prop by hand to get it into gear.

By the way - should've mentioned it earlier. You need to go to the top of the page and download the appropriate manual for your engine and drive from the "adults only" stickey at the top.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: replaced impeller now shift problems

another question is, will everything shift properly with the boat out of the water, with the engine off, if i have everything installed properly?

Yes: in F the prop should turn freely clockwise, not counterclockwise, in N freely in both directions, and in R freely counterclockwise only. Assuming that it is a conventional rotation drive. Hope it all works out.