Won't shift into forward or Reverse

[Dobb15]

Just put a new waterpump in the outdrive of my 73 starcraft, when i put it back together and in the water it ran fine but it wouldn't shift into forward or reverse. I took it back apart and redid it but now it shifts but you can still turn the prop by hand... HELP

 

[marinemech1]

Re: Won't shift into forward or Reverse

More info required please ie. Mercruiser OMC stringer\Cobra Volvo etc.
Wayne

 

[boat127]

Re: Won't shift into forward or Reverse

im goin to guess its a mercruiser. is the stainless steel washer on the shift shaft in the lower unit? are the shift shafts lining up? put the shifter in forward gear the upper shift shaft should be facing straight now turn the lower shift shaft clockwise now spin the prop ccw it should lock and click when turned clock wise. then jsut make sure its locked in forward then put it back together making sure the quad ring is installed between the units and put in gear oil

 

[cr2k]

Re: Won't shift into forward or Reverse

Welcome to iBoats. In this situation the type of boat is of little help, we need to know the power/drive system as most boats could have any drive system in them. Of the big 3, Mercruiser, OMC (Cobra or Stringer) and Volvo there are differences in the shifting mechanisms and it is important to know what you are working on to provide the correct information.

From what you describe I agree it is most likely a MC and you lost/forgot the SS washer.

 

[Dobb15]

Re: Won't shift into forward or Reverse

I replaced the washer because it was bent into a dome like shape and put everyhting into forward, i will test it and let you know, sorry i am using a mercruiser, Model I .... I believe. Motor is a 165hp straight 6.

 

[Dobb15]

Re: Won't shift into forward or Reverse

Ok what you recommended worked ... but now it will not shift into reverse and stalls when trying too. Also i am only getting about 1200 rpm out of the motor it is running well at low rpm, but when trying to accelerate it goes for a second then is hesitiating .. like it want to go but can't???

 

[Bondo]

Re: Won't shift into forward or Reverse

but now it will not shift into reverse and stalls when trying too. Also i am only getting about 1200 rpm out of the motor it is running well at low rpm, but when trying to accelerate it goes for a second then is hesitiating .. like it want to go but can't???

Ayuh,... The shifting issue sounds like the lower cable is Junk,+ needs replacing...

The lack of power sounds like Fuel Delivery, or lack of it...
Might just need a Full,+ Complete Tune-up,+ Service...

 

[Dobb15]

Re: Won't shift into forward or Reverse

Could the shifting problem possibly be with the shift shafts in the lower unit?? when i put it into reverse it stalls but with the motor not running you can turn the prop in reverse and it clicks but doesnt lock??

 

[fatboyspringer]

Re: Won't shift into forward or Reverse

i'm having similar problems on a alpha 1. it is in the control box. there is a flat washer with a hump on either side that engages and disengages the throttle and shifter cables. the washer was broken in half and it would not shift. you could throttle it up and down but couldn't put into forward or reverse.

 

[cr2k]

Re: Won't shift into forward or Reverse

You may have the shift foot a spline off. tilt the lower forward and put in forward gear keeping CCW pressure on the prop and align the foot to straight forward. Or as Bond-o sez you may have short shift cable issues.

 

[Dobb15]

Re: Won't shift into forward or Reverse

Ok thanks, I will try these suggestions and report back, just wondering though what would make the engine stall as i shift into reverse??

 

[searay3]

Re: Won't shift into forward or Reverse

You need to go up to the adults only sticky at the top of the forum and download your manuals for a little reading, they are free. In short, there is a shift interrupt that stumbles the motor via the ignition coil so the drive can come OUT of gear. When the cable is worn, the interrupt funtions but the adjustment of the cable has changed and will cause the engine to die without completing the shift.

 

[Dobb15]

Re: Won't shift into forward or Reverse

Okay i have fixed everything except the motor stalling into reverse?? all the help here has been greatley apprectiated!!!! The motor stalls when goin in reverse even when on muffs??