1959 50hp v4 starfire lower end

Like some advice on what would be causing foward gear to be jumping out of gear. Seems as though this problem has been gradually been getting worse. I believe that maybe there is some adjustment in the bottom end. I am having problems removing the lower housing to infestigate. Any suggestions.

Respectfully,

Rick

Re: 1959 50hp v4 starfire lower end

Rick, The motor will pop out of gear due the the shift dog and gears rounding off at their contact points.
There are some adjustments, however, if the shift dog has rounded off, it will not help. Look at the brass shift belcrank right near the shift lever. You will see scribe marks, on either side of the detent. Those are where the gears are supposed to engage. However the shift linkage usually has lots of play by now. See if you can use some bushings to take some of the play out of it.

The forward and reverse gears are interchangeable, as is the shift dog. Pick out the best condition (not rounded off) gears for forward and reverse. Now pick the best side of the shift dog.

You can also over adjust the motor for forward. Of course you will then not have reverse. I ran that motor that way for years.....

Re: 1959 50hp v4 starfire lower end

There comes a point where adjusting to compensate for worn gear/dog parts only results in destroying the linkage parts because of the terrific force being exerted on them as it tries to jump out of gear. Best to fix it now, before you have a much bigger job on your hands. Check out what it takes to replace the clevis inside the exhaust housing. It is held by a little #10 screw, easy to beat loose, a major job to fix when it happens

EDIT: Trying to remove those skeg screws without an impact screwdriver is an exercise in futility. Sears and others have them. It works by rotating when you whack it with a hammer. One of the most indispensible tools in an outboard mechanics toolbox. BTW, it also works in reverse to install the screws. That's why they are tight.

Re: 1959 50hp v4 starfire lower end

I was worried about that. Seem like alot of work for nothing. I will look at the gears once I remove the skeg, ( which will be about a week from now with the old hammer and screwdriver method ). Maybe if it isn't to difficult I may be able to find gear replacements.

You see I got this boat for free, had no sits, the controlls didn't work, wiring was coming apart, and the floor needed some fiberglassing. Spent this labor of love to get it on the water and now it sounds like the lower end is on its last leg.

Thanks for the heads up gentle men.

Rick