15 hp stiff clutch

[lawiec]

this passed summer i started having trouble getting the motor into nutral and also trouble shifting from forward to reverse and vise versa. eventually the clutch stiffened up so much that it wont move. i thought it was the cable but that does not appear to be the case. i took off the lower unit and the rod that goes down into the gear box will not move at all. it doesnt look like it has ever moved. so i believe that is where my problem is. i'm going to keep working at it, but i thought you guys might have advice as to what might be wrong with it and how to fix it.<br />its a pretty old motor, 15 hp, i dont have the model number.<br />thanks for any help.<br />chad

 

[eurolarva]

Re: 15 hp stiff clutch

Hello lawiec and welcome to Iboats. The shift rod connects to a mechanism in the lower unit that moves the clutch forward or backwards. In the middle position is neutral. There is usually a pin that connects to the pivot arm that may have broken off. Sometimes people mistake the pivot screw for a drain screw on the lower unit and if this screw is removed and is not lined back up correctly the shifer can get stuck or not work. Bad news is the only way to fix it is to take the lower unit apart. To do this you really need a manual and a model number because you will want to replace all the seals and gaskets once you have it apart. The model number is usually on a metal plate under the cowling somewhere near the carburator. If you can post this number someone here might be able to point you in the right direction for getting parts.<br /><br />The good news is the seal kit is only about 30 bucks and if you have a little mechanical ability you can probably do this yourself. Look at ebay for lower units. You might be able to pick one up there for under a hundred bucks<br /><br />Good luck

 

[lawiec]

Re: 15 hp stiff clutch

yeah i have a manual and have disassembled and reassembled the lower unit multiple times today. its not as bad as i thought it would be, i can take it apart and put it back togeather in under ten minutes! i've never been very mechanicle so im proud <br /><br />the lower shifting rod would not move. i dont know if it is supposed to, but i lubed it up and have it moving freely now. I dont think my motor has the screw your thinking of. i didnt see it anyway. but i will check that out, maybe it is the problem. <br /><br />After taking the lower unit apart i can see why the lower shifting rod wasnt moving. but it was broken when i took it apart and the manual doesnt say anything about it so i dont know how to get it working. the best solution i think is to take the lower unit to a shop and ask them how it should be.<br />chad

 

[eurolarva]

Re: 15 hp stiff clutch

Is this a chrysler or a force motor? Force models are newer and you might have better luck finding someone who knows how to work on them. If it is a chrysler the motor could be 30 plus years old and it becomes harder to find a mechanic. A model number sure would help.