1964 sportsfour 60hp manual shift no forward

[baldwisa]

After replacing the upper seal I now have no forward gear. It makes a clicking sound when I try to put it in forward. I checked the shift rod connector and bolts are tight.

 

[baldwisa]

I have reverse and neutral.

 

[oldboat1]

Try reaching in with a screwdriver and working the rod manually -- see if it goes into gear. The upper and lower rods have to be fully inserted in the connector (bolts through the slots in the rod) -- might be clamped down on the tip of one of the rods, which changes the rod length for shifting.

 

[baldwisa]

I believe you're right. I'm having a little difficulty getting the bolt to grab the threads in the connector when its fully seated.

 

[oldboat1]

careful -- don't strip it. might help to reach in with a needle nosed pliers to grip the stainless rod for stability (or to push/pull). Watch out for brass -- but can carefully use a punch or the end of a finishing nail to move the connector up or down. Pretty much whatever works without doing damage....

 

[baldwisa]

Just wondering if there is an alternative to the brass rod connector. I've stripped them before with not much pressure.

 

[oldboat1]

Might be another way -- maybe through bolt with a nut(?) I would probably just replace it if it's the small one (5" model for some longshaft motors is pretty expensive, new at least).

 

[baldwisa]

Looks like the shift rod is preventing the bolt from grabbing. Tired pliers to hold it tight with no luck. Any thoughts?

 

[baldwisa]

I might try just dropping the lower unit and putting it on that way. May have better luck. Afraid of stripping that brass thread.

 

[oldboat1]

Spin or twist the connector around, and use a bladed screw driver to pry it open a little. Should be able to slip the rod end out. Could hold the connector with a punch or small Phillips screwdriver, then move the rod with the shifter lever to get the rod out. might be better to get it entirely off, and mess with it on the workbench.

If the rod is preventing the screw from going in to the threads as you say, though, it's because the groove isn't located at the screw hole.