STIFF SHIFTER

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henryban

Cadet
Joined
Feb 22, 2003
Messages
22
My 1998 130 has a tight shifter. The problem is in deep. The controls work smooth when I disconnect the shift rod. I am about to take it apart to find out what the trouble is. Does anyone know what I might find? It seems to loosen up a little if I exercise it some. Why it should be so stiff is a mystery to me.
 
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papasmurf

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Nov 9, 2004
Messages
181
Re: STIFF SHIFTER

Disconnect the shift lever from the shift rod and see what happens. If the lever moves freely, than the problem is with the shift shaft.
 
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henryban

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Joined
Feb 22, 2003
Messages
22
Re: STIFF SHIFTER

I disconnected the shift rod from the bell crank. <br />Everything moves smooth up to the shift rod connection. The stiffness is caused by something inside the lower unit housing. Was wondering what it could be before I disassemble the unit.
 
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v12mac

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 30, 2003
Messages
502
Re: STIFF SHIFTER

Not a mechanic but, is there any chance your shift rod is draging aginst the motor pan? I had a motor with a bent shift rod that was hanging up where it went down through the pan due to some worn out bushings.<br />Mac
 
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papasmurf

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Nov 9, 2004
Messages
181
Re: STIFF SHIFTER

Remove the gearcase and try it then. You should be able to move the shift rod without too much effort. If still stiff then you probably have some corrosion built up around the o-ring in the shift housing.
 
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henryban

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Joined
Feb 22, 2003
Messages
22
Re: STIFF SHIFTER

The worn bushing sounds serious. It sounds like something integral to the housing and the housing will need to be replaced.<br /><br />But if it is a corrosion problem at the shift rod that don't sound too bad a fix.<br /><br />Hate the thought of taking the unit apart completely.<br /><br />I'll let you know what turns out.
 
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henryban

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Joined
Feb 22, 2003
Messages
22
Re: STIFF SHIFTER

QUESTION:<br /><br />IS THE SHIFT ROD EASY TO UNSCREW AND SCREW BACK IN?<br /><br />Anything TO BE CAREFUL OF?
 
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DJ

Guest
Re: STIFF SHIFTER

Is this a salt water engine?<br /><br />If so, this may sound crazy, but I've loosened up up some things like that by pouring some CLR down the leg, followed by a thorough flush with fresh water.
 
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henryban

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Joined
Feb 22, 2003
Messages
22
Re: STIFF SHIFTER

YES. SALTWATER USE SINCE NEW, YEAR 2000<br /><br />THE SHAFT DIA. IS NOT THAT BIG. I WAS WONDERING IF IT IS EASILY OVER TWISTED AND BROKEN. i WOULDN'T LIKE THAT AT ALL.<br /><br />I HAVEN'T DROPPED THE LOWER UNIT YET. JUST GETTING MYSELF PREPARED.
 
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DJ

Guest
Re: STIFF SHIFTER

Henry,<br /><br />The shift rod is stainless steel. The corrosion would not be on the rod. It could however be where the rod goes through the housing.<br /><br />Try the CLR trick. You may need to use something like a turkey baster to get it in there.<br /><br />Just make sure you flush it out well.<br /><br />If you do drop the L/U, you'll easily see where the suspect area may be.
 
C

Cricket Too

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
May 14, 2003
Messages
1,732
Re: STIFF SHIFTER

Also mark the shift rod once you get it out, especially if you are going to unscrew it out. If you have it at the wrong height when you put the LU back up, you will run into shifting problems, if you can even get the pin to line back up.
 
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henryban

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Joined
Feb 22, 2003
Messages
22
Re: STIFF SHIFTER

Yep, it was the little double “o” ring area where the shaft goes through the cover casting.<br /><br />Hard to believe how that small area can build up and bind up so. Had to use CLR like you said. That stuff is strong and needs to be washed away good after it has done its thing.<br /><br />A snap job thanks to you guys.
 
S

Solittle

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Apr 28, 2002
Messages
7,518
Re: STIFF SHIFTER

When you get the lower unit off inspect the inside of the lower uniy housing housing where the shift rod enters the gearcase. You may have a build-up of salt water crud that is binding on the rod. If so it can be cleaned out without dissassembly. You may have to use an extra long drill to get it out as the crud can get like concrete.<br /><br />I would not remove the shift rod unless you have the OMC shop manual. It must be set at a specific height (I don't remember the length - see the manual).
 
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henryban

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Joined
Feb 22, 2003
Messages
22
Re: STIFF SHIFTER

A postscript. <br /><br />Murphy’s Law.<br /><br />Was patting myself on the back for being such a smart fellow.<br /><br />I had everything working smooth. Put the boat in the water to test it and the shifter would not go into reverse.<br /><br />I was some stumped. <br /><br />Went to bed without even looking for the reason why. Did not sleep well at all.<br /><br />Problem turned out to be that “hose from Hell that goes nowhere”. The one that just dangles at the rear of the powerhead.<br /><br />Somehow it managed to find its way into the shift mechanism. <br /><br />What the devil is the use of that hose anyway? <br /><br />It picked that time to do its dirty work. What’d I do to deserve that?<br /><br />Be a while before that I’m a dummy feeling wears off.
 
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papasmurf

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Nov 9, 2004
Messages
181
Re: STIFF SHIFTER

That hose is for removing any water that gets in the motor pan. It uses vacuum action caused from the tell tale stream.
 
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