forward problems with my 40hp gale motor

[rath8985]

i have a 40hp gale motor serial #40de14b..engine runs fine, but it's stuck in reverse..even in neutral it's in reverse..am i looking at a problem in the lower unit shaft or possibly the gear or worst case both? any place to find the schematics to know what i'm looking at or for?

 

[F_R]

Re: forward problems with my 40hp gale motor

Take the oval plate off the midsection and look inside. You will see the shift rod and connector. If one of the bolts have fallen out of the connector, you have found the problem. If the bolts are both there, watch it as you operate the shift lever. It should move up and down with no lost motion or slack. If it doesn't do that, the powerhead has to be removed for access to fix the problem.

 

[steelespike]

Re: forward problems with my 40hp gale motor

Have you tried un hooking the cables and shifting by hand at the motor?Has it ever shifted right?Did someone remove the shift fork pivot screw(phillips head screw in the gearcase)Even if put back the fork may be loose.A simple fix but will require opening the gearcase.