stiff shifting spline

[oddysea1]

I purchased a 2000 150 h.p. that has been sitting for 5 years, while changing the water pump I noticed the spline wasnt able to be moved, although it can rotate with pressure.The motor does shift into reverse but not forward, and the boat is on land.A mechanic said it may need water pressure to shift into forward, Im not sure why. What would cause the spline to stick, would soaking it in liquid wrench help?Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: stiff shifting spline

Exactly what spline are you referring to? Driveshaft spline? Prop Shaft spline? If your mechanic thinks you need water pressure to be able to shift, you need a new mechanic. Johnny shift rods move up/down to shift gears. There is a specific shift rod height, that they must be set to, in order to shift properly.

 

[boobie]

Re: stiff shifting spline

Get a new mechanic. What shade tree is he standing under ??

 

[oddysea1]

Re: stiff shifting spline

The rod I believe is the shift rod it is the long stainless rod that attaches into the throttle shift cable.The problem was detected when he pull on the rod and it didnt budge.He turned the rod slightly to gain some movement.After attaching the rod to the throttle shift the rod seems to go into reverse but not forward.With the engine being dormant for five years, could something have froze up?As a side note only a little lower unit oil was evident ,the washers were not installed with bolts and over time the oil must have leaked out.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: stiff shifting spline

Well, sounds like you need to drain and fill the gearcase with some good gear oil. Then exercize the shift rod until she shifts fine. Now set the shift rod height (service manual is necessary) and reinstall the gearcase.

 

[boobie]

Re: stiff shifting spline

If you're running in a salt water area you could also have some corrosion in the shift rod hsg around the shift rod.

 

[oddysea1]

Re: stiff shifting spline

As far as the housing is concerned is this something to be taken apart? Are there o-rings that may need to be replaced? Is this a complex job aside from dropping the lower unit? I feel like Im getting closer to the problem based on your assessment and other threads I have researched.Your advice on this matter and several others has been Very helpful and Very appreciated!Thankyou Andy