pulled the shift pivot screw out of lower unit.. need advise

[SSWHALER]

In an effort to drain the lower unit oil in my 89 Force 125hp to replace the impeller I pulled the shift pivot screw in error.. After consulting my (after market) manual I became painfully aware of the huge mistake I made - the informative posts on this site as well as my manual calls for the total disassembly of the lower unit.. I'm hopeful that someone has worked on this same problem on same model & year 89 (or possibly 88) Force 125 and/or can offer their advice & wisdom... Is it possible to remove the water pump and housing & access the pivot from above to correct or is further dismantling required? Thanks in advance for any help!!AO

[roscoe]

According to my manual, you should be able to get at it from the top. Drain the oil before starting, to avoid a big mess.These 3 posts should help. http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ul...;f=33;t=003101 http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ul...;f=33;t=003109 http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ul...;f=33;t=003429

[scotiany]

The worst problem you're going to have is finding the gasket that goes between the upper and lower cases. You could probably fabricate one yourself.

[SSWHALER]

Thanks for the links & suggestions.. Hoping to tackle the job this weekend - wish me luck...AO

[SSWHALER]

Is there a trick to removing the upper and lower water pump housing? It seems the plate is sticking under the pump area...AO

[scotiany]

I can't speak to Force motors but, on the Chrysler you have to remove the prop shaft bearing housing to get to the lower mount stud which holds the upper and lower cases together. Not too complicated a job to do.

[force01]

sswhaler,your stainless water plate is stuck because it is stuck to the gasket. you can get your pivot screw back in without disassembling the gear box. if you play with it too much and the yoke falls out then you are in trouble. good luck, bret forceparts@yahoo.com

[SSWHALER]

Thanks for the feedback.. Brett - the pin is already out so I guess I'm passed the point of working it back in without disassembling the lower unit.. You're right about the water plate & gasket sticking - I'm afraid I'll damage or even crack the plate trying to pry it apart.. Does anyone have any suggestions for getting it free?AO

[TYLER HUNN]

I have the same problem on a 1990 force l drive 90 hp. I accidently let the pin fall out while we were on the water. I didnt know it was anything but a drain screw. I replaced with just a regular screw that size. I took it out again and realized reverse didnt work. i searched on here and found the problem I think that there is no way i can fiddle with the yolk and pivet thing to get it back. Do i have to take this apart too?

I already have everything disassembled and have messed with it for over an hour and i cant get it to go back.

[TYLER HUNN]

Update... I ended up having the whole lower unit rebuilt. 250$ sucked pretty bad. I put a bead of caulk in there now so no way it can ever come out again. Terrible design for these.

[Frank Acampora]

Before you go crazy, if you have not moved the linkage, just try re-inserting the pivot pin. Then try shifting into forward and reverse. If it goes into both gears, you're OK if not, then try removing the torpedo shaped top plate. You MAY be able to fish around and get it; you may need to disassemble the lower unit.