50 hp force lower unit question

[forceduponme]

I have an early 90's 50 hp Force that was occasionally jumping out of foward gear and then back in, under load. I adjusted the shift rod on the side of the engine to the point where I could still get neutral where I should, (barely) and it seemed better for awhile. Now it started jumping out/in at basically any rpm above idle. After reading posts here, etc. I decided to pull apart lower unit to inspect the forward gear and clutch dog. I see no problem with the clutch dog, but the forward gear has some minimal rounding on the forward edges of the legs. I'm assuming by prop rotation and wear patterns that the clutch dog rides on the square part of the gear leg, not the tapered/ramped side. Correct? Wondering if this amount of rounding on the edge would cause my issue. Also, I read somewhere on this site that it is possible to repair the edges by hand grinding, (dremel, etc.). Any opinion? Thanks for any help.

 

[john from md]

Re: 50 hp force lower unit question

Swap the fwd and rev gears. Most people don't use reverse anyway.

This occurred from someone sliding the engine into gear. It should always be shifted forcefully and engage with a thunk. You can buy new gears if you choose, they are still available.

John

 

[forceduponme]

Re: 50 hp force lower unit question

Thanks John,
I gave that a thought but it looks like I'd have to press the bearing off the forward and onto the reverse? Should I also reverse the clutch dog to be safe? Thanks.

 

[john from md]

Re: 50 hp force lower unit question

I don't know if that would work, never tried it. You might send a PM to Frank Acampora.

John

 

[forceduponme]

Re: 50 hp force lower unit question

Thanks John,
Already fired one off to him.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 50 hp force lower unit question

Not too familiar with the later force mid sized engines, but if they used the same gears as the chrysler 50s, then the forward and reverse gears are not interchangeable. They look similar but are slightly different.

Yes, it is possible to grind the dogs square again. It can be done adeqately by hand with a dremel and a carbide bit if you are careful but, of course, it is always better to chuck the gear into a milling machine (which most of us don't have.)

 

[forceduponme]

Re: 50 hp force lower unit question

Thanks for the reply. I think I'll give it a try, I have nothing to lose. I think the tricky part will be making sure to take an equal amount off of each dog so that they will continue to take and equal load and all mate at the same time. Thanks.