Shift Pivot Screw!! - 1988 Force 125

[tominello]

I pullled the shift pivot screw instead of the lower unit dran plug, but I think I am OK. I put the pivot screw back in and finished the lube change the right way. Being scared, because I found out what I did, I started the moto r in the driveway (with water going to the motor) and tried forward, reverse and nuetral several times. It seemed to work fine, other than a fairly load clunk when shifting, but I think it normally did that before, only not as loud when it is actually in water.<br /><br />I checked all of the posting I could find here, after I did all of this crazyness and could not find out if I am out of the woods on this.<br /><br />Is it safe to assume that I am out of the Woods now?<br /><br />Also, how tight do you tighten that silly drain plug, so that you don't strip it and it does not vibrate out. I tightened it about half as much as I would tighten a sparg plug. Seems like there should be a torque spec, but not in my manual.... I read it in parts

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Shift Pivot Screw!! - 1988 Force 125

Sounds like you lucked out, there, with that pivot screw. Sometimes it works out fine. I wouldn't worry about it any further.<br /><br />If your drain plug has a slotted head, don't worry about overtightening it with a big screwdriver. I don't know if yours uses o-rings or a washer, but put it in tight with a screwdriver, and you'll be OK.

 

[tominello]

Re: Shift Pivot Screw!! - 1988 Force 125

Thanks - that is a big relief!!!<br /><br />The drain plug is an allen screw - a shourt stubby thing. It did not have any type of o-ring or washer as did the drain, fill and shift pivot screw.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Shift Pivot Screw!! - 1988 Force 125

The drain and fill plugs have a plastic seal that should be replaced anytime they are remove. I know the allen screw is the drain and does not seem to have a seal.<br /><br />Now I am looking at the parts breakdown and ther eis a washer for the drain plug<br />12-191833 WASHER, GEAR HOUSING PLUG <br />I am not sure the material it is made of.

 

[tominello]

Re: Shift Pivot Screw!! - 1988 Force 125

Thanks for the info.. The washer for the drain plug did not come out when I removed the plug. I am guessing that it stays up inside and I need to pull it out with a wire or something. Given the oil change is done, do you recomend that I change the oil again and replace the seal this time? Or can I just watch it closely for a season and do it right next year?<br /><br />I will be lucky to get the boat in the water 20 days this year - and it rarely stays in over night.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[roscoe]

Re: Shift Pivot Screw!! - 1988 Force 125

Always change the lube and install new gaskets IN THE FALL of the year, as part of the winterizing.<br />You don't want to have any water in there over winter as it can freeze and crack the lower unit.