I just bought my first boat and it came with a '75 40HP Evinrude that I think is stuck in forward. When I disconnect the cable from the motor and move the shifter I can see the cable/linkage move with it. However, when I try to manually shift on the motor it will not move.
I'm just trying to figure out what the possible causes could be and how difficult it would be to fix. I have never worked on a boat motor before but have a little experience working with cars. I'm assuming that I would have to remove the lower unit but the boat is in the water and I dont have any way to take it out besides paying someone to haul it out for me. Is it feasable to fix this sort of problem with the boat in the water?
Any help or advice I could get would be great. Let me know if you need any other information.
Does the engine run? How long have you had it? Has it even run properly since you had it? Does the prop spin freely when not running? Do you know the history of the engine? When was the LU oil last changed? Worst case scenerio, removing the LU in the water is a major PITA! Guaranteed, you will drop a small piece. Ask me how I know!
I've only had the boat and motor for a few days and do not know if the engine runs but I was told it does. I didnt think the engine would start while stuck in forward but, when I try to start it I can see the prop spin briefly. I dont know when the last time the LU oil was changed but it's probably been a few years.
...not looking forward to removing the LU in the water but it doesnt look like I'll have a choice, at least the water is pretty shallow by the boat...
If your engine has Selectric shift, the lower unit will stay in forward gear until the engine starts running. Power to the shift solenoids and pressure from the lower unit oil pump (engine running) is required to shift into either reverse or neutral. You will need to start the engine to shift out of forward gear. The lower unit on Selectric takes type "C" oil, which act like hydrolic fluid. Any other oil will not work.
When I first got my '71 50hp it would not shift into reverse until I drained the LU oil and replaced it with new type"C".
I believe it is a manual shift, I have a 76 40hp and guessing it will be the same. They are some what stiff, but you should be able to shift it. If you rock the prop back and forth and try to move the shifter with the control disconnected does it move. If not, time to drop the lower unit and put it on the bench. They are pretty easy to remove and service.
Took the motor off the boat yesterday and have it on an outboard motor cart/stand that I borrowed from a friend. I tried rocking the prop while trying to shift it out of forward but it wouldnt budge.
Im going to try to drop the lower unit today or tomorrow but the outboard cart/stand that I have is too short for the motor so I have to lean it up against something. I'm sure its only a matter of time before it falls. If it looks like its going to be a problem I might think about taking it somewhere to get fixed. Anyone know about how much I would expect to spend on a fix like this?
Be VERY careful to mark all your parts when you disassemble the LU. Forward and reverse gears can easily be mixed up. That's a problem. If the unit seems free when the LU is split, check the bushing/seal where the shift rod enters the gear case. They get dry, freeze up, and must be replaced. If you don't have a repair manual for guidance, get one before you start. Locate and buy the bushing, spaghetti seal, marine grade sealant, and a new front seal (maybe not necessary, but very little cost and you're already there) BEFORE you start this project.
With a little luck and a lot of patience, you'll be back on the water soon.
'75 40HP Evinrude stuck in forward
Linear Mode
