Stucked in FORWARD!!! 1997 Force 120 Lower Unit Shift Shaft Assembly - Please HELP!!!

Hello Everyone,
While attempted to change water impeller for my 1997 Force 120, I missed the orientation/assembly of the Shift Shaft Assembly. I forgot the assembly of the plastic bushing and fitting are oriented. I'm attaching images of the two possible assemblies. Please advise me what the correct assembly is. Many thanks in advance!!! - Anthony

Re: 1997 Force 120 Lower Unit Shift Shaft Assembly - Please HELP!!!

Re: 1997 Force 120 Lower Unit Shift Shaft Assembly - Please HELP!!!

Dunno if this helps......

http://www.boats.net/parts/search/M...Driveshaft) (3 Jaw Reverse Clutch)/parts.html

I honestly have no clue, but pic 2 looks right to me.......

Re: 1997 Force 120 Lower Unit Shift Shaft Assembly - Please HELP!!!

Re: 1997 Force 120 Lower Unit Shift Shaft Assembly - Please HELP!!!

#2 When staarting a new job always take before and after pics.Will save a lot.J

Re: 1997 Force 120 Lower Unit Shift Shaft Assembly - Please HELP!!!

Re: 1997 Force 120 Lower Unit Shift Shaft Assembly - Please HELP!!!

Thank you Jerry and Justinde...

Re: 1997 Force 120 Lower Unit Shift Shaft Assembly - Please HELP!!!

Re: 1997 Force 120 Lower Unit Shift Shaft Assembly - Please HELP!!!

jerryjerry05 said:

#2 When staarting a new job always take before and after pics.Will save a lot.J

Click to expand...

Hello Jerry and All,
As I put the lower unit back, the motor is now running with FORWARD!!! It's stucked with FORWARD regardless I shift the throttle FORWARD or REVERSE. When I first detached the Lower Unit for water impeller replacement, I shifted the throttle control to FORWARD, once I detached the LOWER UNIT I shifted back to NEUTRAL. Once I put the Lower Unit back, the motor is stucked with FORWARD only. The motor fired up just fine but with FORWARD gear in it. Regardless I shiftd the throttle control to FORWARD or REVERSE, the prop is only turning Clockwise direction. What did I do wrong? PLEASE HELP!!! Did I screwed big time? I really appreciate the help!!!

Re: 1997 Force 120 Lower Unit Shift Shaft Assembly - Please HELP!!!

Re: 1997 Force 120 Lower Unit Shift Shaft Assembly - Please HELP!!!

Remove lower unit.
Put shifter in forward.
Put lower unit in forward.

Put lower unit back on.

Re: 1997 Force 120 Lower Unit Shift Shaft Assembly - Please HELP!!!

Re: 1997 Force 120 Lower Unit Shift Shaft Assembly - Please HELP!!!

Hello Roscoe,
Thanks for the help. Can you please tell me how to put the lower unit in forward? Thanks so much.

Re: 1997 Force 120 Lower Unit Shift Shaft Assembly - Please HELP!!!

Re: 1997 Force 120 Lower Unit Shift Shaft Assembly - Please HELP!!!

Its been a while since I worked on one of those.


Then turn the shaft on the top of the lower unit to match. Can't remember which way to turn it -- trial and error.
It may help to turn the prop clockwise while trying to turn the shift shaft on the lower unit.

Now when you turn the prop shaft clockwise, you will hear the clutch dog ratcheting, WHEN the lower unit is in forward gear.

Re: 1997 Force 120 Lower Unit Shift Shaft Assembly - Please HELP!!!

Re: 1997 Force 120 Lower Unit Shift Shaft Assembly - Please HELP!!!

i had the same issue on a 98 120 hp force read my thread entirely its lentghy but solved
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=454762

i used a rag and pliers to twist the shift shaft counter clockwise (if i remember right) pass where it stops. Feels like your gonna break it but doesnt require much force when using pliers to move it past the stop or detent. Your can also use and external torx socket on top of shift shaft to help turn it.

Re: 1997 Force 120 Lower Unit Shift Shaft Assembly - Please HELP!!!

Re: 1997 Force 120 Lower Unit Shift Shaft Assembly - Please HELP!!!

Thanks Roscoe. It should be the same way if I put both the Shifter and Lower Unit in Neutral?