Re: Test result after replacing impeller...Help...
Got your PM but the reason I did not answer is that I am not too familiar with this engine. However: since no one else has answered and since the lower unit is probably very similar to Chrysler lower units I will make several observations and comments.
It is typical that forward gear is obtained by pushing down on the shift rod. This is important later on.
You state that in forward gear when you turn the prop clockwise you get a clicking noise. The drive dogs are usually slightly tapered on the back end to facilitate slipping into gear. When you turn the prop clockwise you are loading the dogs in the opposite direction as they would be with the engine running. The tapered portions are riding up over each other and dropping back into gear again with a click. What this tells me is that when you reassembled the lower unit to the midleg, you biased the shift rod towards reverse. You are not fully engaging the drive dogs in forward, yet you are fully engaged and then some in reverse so you don't get the click in reverse.
The engine may pop out of forward while running. This will round the front edges of the drive dogs leading to faster than usual wear. By the way: DO NOT EASE THE ENGINE INTO GEAR. To do so also causes drive dog wear. proper method is to quickly move the control handle about 1/3 of its travel to select the gear. This travel varies some from engine to engine but if you move the handle slowly while the engine is not running and with the hood off, you will see the shift linkage moving without throttle and timing advancing. That will show you how far to move the handle quickly.
THUS: You must slightly lengthen the shift rod to get neutral bias---that is equal engagement in forward and reverse positions. Loosen the jam nut and turn the long coupler about 1/2 turn at a time. Turn it in the direction to lengthen the rod until you have neutral bias.
Do not worry if you go a little too far: It is preferable to have just a little too much engagement in forward because this gear gets the highest loads and most use. Thus we try to ensure the most drive dog engagement possible. Reverse is typically only used at low throttle setting and for short periods. Thus I would rather hear the click in reverse but, of course, no click in either gear is best.
Hi! Frank,
I maybe doing the testing wrong. Just to get some sense whether the click sound at prop is really an issue or not.
Here's what I did:
1. I separated the LU from MU.
2. Now I only have the LU on the table,
I pulled up shift rod in which to my understanding is what happen whenever I move the lever forward (if LU is connected to MU). I'm assuming I'm at forward gear now.
3. I moved the drive shaft clockwise and the prop move in one direction. I moved it counter clockwise and prop shaft moves in another direction (not sure if this is normal.please comment here). But the good thing is I did not hear any click sound at all.
So with the motor running, drive shaft is in control of the prop. I will not have any of this click sound issue and I'm assuming the above also proves that I'm fully engage in forward gear since prop shaft moves whenever I turn the drive shaft manually.
On the second thought, you have a point about the issue where my drive shaft teeth is not getting enough connection to the forward gear. If i understand you correctly, prop should be able to control the rotation of drive shaft. I should see my drive shaft turning whenever I turn the prop without getting a click sound. And this is not happening.
Is this correct or I'm totally lost.
Actually, I first tried what you suggested where I lenghten the shift shaft 1/2 turn at a time but I reached the end and never get rid of the click sound. Also I knew that I placed the jam nut and coupler in the same position where it was originally.
Is it possible that the teeth of either one is already worn out. Any test I can do to figure out if this is a lower unit issue without disassembling the unit?
Do I have abig issue where I should not use this boat on water at its current condition?
Please share your thoughts Frank when you get a chance.
