Shifting problem 89' Force 85hp

[dano44]

Went to the lake first time this spring, boat ran fine. I drained the lower unit oil last fall and replaced it this spring. I cruised around the lake, stopping to fish several times, the boat shifted with the same clunck that it always has but this time it wouldn't go forward, it would go into reverse though. After I got the boat home I put the shifter in forward and went to the prop, it turned freely, then went back and put it in reverse, it did not turn and you could tell that it was in gear, in neutral it turned freely as it should. Does anyone know what might have happened?

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Shifting problem 89' Force 85hp

What screw did you remove to drain the oil? There is a allen head screw(right) on the bottom.Then there is a slotted screw on the side(wrong) that has an o-ring.
If you removed the one on the side then you need to disassemble the lower unit to re-assemble.J

 

[dano44]

Re: Shifting problem 89' Force 85hp

I just removed the bottom set screw, the other one you are talking about is for the shift linkage, I did not touch that one.

 

[nathanhooper]

Re: Shifting problem 89' Force 85hp

I have not got to run my boat much at all. In fact I have not actually drove it in the lake. BUT, it just so happens that I had the same problem when I was testing it last year in the yard. Turned out that it was the screw that holds the cable on the side of the motor had come loose. It was allowing it to go one way but not the other. Sorry for not having technical names, I do not have the manual in front of me. Hope you understand.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Shifting problem 89' Force 85hp

Then you need to check the shift linkage, make sure it's adjusted right.
Un-hook the cable and start the motor and shift by hand(watch out for the prop).See if it goes into forward and reverse.If it work then you need to mess with it till it shifts both ways.J

 

[nathanhooper]

Re: Shifting problem 89' Force 85hp

I found in the manual what I was talking about. Hope this helps.

 

[dano44]

Re: Shifting problem 89' Force 85hp

Thanks all for the info, I think that is the problem.