won't go into gear

[firefighterco2]

I have an '86 50hp that was running ok. I rebuilt the carbs, changed the plugs, and lower unit oil, and changed the water pump. Now the motor runs great with only 1 problem. . . It wont go into gear in the test tank. It will go into gear with the motor off while manually turning the prop, and it will go into gear with the muffs on. I have tried adjusting the shift rod height and replaced and adjusted the control cables. I am at a loss as to how to fix this. Could this be something internal in the lower unit or is it definately an adjustment issue? I have an oem service manual and followed the directions on that to do all the work? Any help is appreciated.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: won't go into gear

The measurement is critical. The measurement must be from the top surface of the lower unit to the center of the shift rod hole.

1986 - 40, 45, 50, 55hp = (Short shaft) 15-29/32" - - (Long shaft) 40, 45, 50, 55hp = 20-29/32" plus/minus 1/32" Have the shift rod in neutral and the offset to the rear.

 

[firefighterco2]

Re: won't go into gear

Ok a little update. . . I have now checked and rechecked the height of the shift rod. It still will not go into gear in the test tank. The only way I can get it to go into reverse is to give the shifter on the motor a little extra push while someone else shifts at the remote?
From further reading on the forums I found out that I should have an extra loop of cable at the motor? Could this be my problem? I dont have very much extra slack in the cables. If not im not sure what else to try or do.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: won't go into gear

The "loop" is needed in both cables so that the engine is able to turn to its extreme in either direction without kinking the cables.

If the engine shifts properly in the test tank with the cables disconnected, perhaps you do not have the cable centered properly. I don't see what effect the "non looped" cable would have in a test tank.

(Centering Shift Cable)
(J. Reeves)

When all is as it should be, the proper method to adjust the shift cable is to disconnect the cable from the engine. Move the shift linkage on the engine to find the center of the play in neutral, and when found, leave it centered.

Now, grab the end of the shift cable sleeve, push and pull it to find the center of the play there, and center that play.

Adjust the trunion on the threaded portion of the shift cable so that the centered play of the cable lines up with the centered play of the engine's shift linkage. Install and lock the shift cable with the retaining clamp in that position. That's it.

 

[firefighterco2]

Re: won't go into gear

I tried again to adjust the cables and I can not seem to get both forward and reverse? I have been trying to adjust them for several evenings now?

 

[firefighterco2]

Re: won't go into gear

I think I figured out what the problem is. I think that there is supposed to be a bushing on the shaft that goes from the shift rod to the linkage on the other side? There is a grease fitting there but nothing to hold the grease in so I am thinking that I am missing a bushing. I can not seem to find a parts diagram that shows this area of the motor though.