Shift by hand??

[Smig]

Hey folks,<br />I'm helping out with the lower unit on an '89 40 HP Evinrude (E40ELCEC.) With the lower unit off, should I be able to shift into forward or reverse by pushing/pulling on the shift rod? If so, should it be easy or hard?<br /><br />Thanks<br />Shaun

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Shift by hand??

Yes, it should be easy if you rotate the prop at the same time...

 

[Smig]

Re: Shift by hand??

I can rotate the prop shaft without any trouble, but the shift rod will barely move and I can't get forward or reverse to engage. Any thoughts on what would jam up the shift rod?<br /><br />Thank you<br />Shaun

 

[OBJ]

Re: Shift by hand??

There would be a certain amount of push you need to get it in gear. The lower shift lever is held in place by a detent. Might have to push/pull the shift rod some force to get it to shift. <br /><br />What's the gear lube look like? Why are you dropping the lower unit? Problem?

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Shift by hand??

Yeah, OBJ is right. Not fingerlight... It will take a little push/pull force, but not something you should have to struggle with...

 

[Smig]

Re: Shift by hand??

Why it's dropped is a soap opera involving a blown lower, a lousy, unreliable mobile mechanic and a sister-in-law. The mechanic dropped the lower unit, took apart the midsection (I have no idea why he did that) and then left it all in a big box in his mother's garage! So I am helping my sister-in-law get it back together. She bought a used lower to replace the blown one and in looking it over I couldn't get it into gear. So is there anything that could jam the shift mechanism?<br /><br />I checked the gear lube and it looks great. I also thought I would replace the water pump while the lower is down.<br /><br />Thanks<br />Shaun

 

[OBJ]

Re: Shift by hand??

Smig....not always a good thing to do but, take a short piece of wood and put it on the top of the shift rod, smack the top of the wood with your fist or a rubber mallet....not a full 1 wood backstroke...just enough to move it. The stiffness isn't noticable when shifting from the control because of the leverage involved. Just a short tap should move it. <br /><br />If it don't want to move....can be anybodys guess why it won't shift. Anything from rusted up gears to damaged clutch dog.

 

[ob]

Re: Shift by hand??

Also confirm that you are indeed rotating the prop while trying to shift.

 

[Smig]

Re: Shift by hand??

Got it!! I finally found a good way to brace two hands while pulling up, there was a small movement and then as I rotated the prop shaft and pushed down it went all the way into gear.<br /><br />rickdb1boat, OBJ & ob - Thank you

 

[OBJ]

Re: Shift by hand??

Good to hear Smig..... While it's in gear, turn the drive shaft clockwise and make sure the prop shaft turns also. Hope the rest of the job goes well.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Shift by hand??

That's good news, Smig Hopefully the rest of the job will fall into place and all will be well.......

 

[Smig]

Re: Shift by hand??

Thanks guys - I did spin the shaft in both directions in both forward and reverse. While I am doing that, is there anything that I should be listening or feeling for?<br /><br />Thanks