96 Evinrude 50 Hp Shifting problem

[w2much]

I have this motor which is baffling me. It runs great but the shifting from gear to gear is out of whack. It may be the shift rod height needs to be adjusted or it maybe something else. I thought to ask before pulling the lower unit off.. I may need to edit my description of the issue as responses are given..I have the manual and have followed the instruction for the remote cable installation. The motor seems to have too much neutral,if that makes sense. Without the shift cable I can shift to forward , neutral and reverse. WIth the shift cable connected I can get forward or I can get reverse. I have tried to adjust the trunions back and forth to achieve normal shifting but have had no luck so far. It is as if there is there is too much of a span in the neutral position to allow both the gears to engage with the given amount of the throw allowed from the control box, hence the cable at the engine end.. A few months ago all was working fine, the boat has been used in the meantime but now this issue has reared its ugly head. If the shift rod height is to high does this occur ? My next step of course will be to drop the lower and check the shift rod then pull the carrier ect out. But as long as I am not getting my hands dirty today I thought I would ask for some insight.
I need to add that prop has been bent as a rock was hit. I dont think this caused the issue but need to mention it. Also I checked the gear lube and it was free of any metal bits, there were none.
Thank you in advance for your responses ,I look forward to them .

 

[jakedaawg]

Stretched cable or broken outer casing on cable? With cable end unattached at engine, remote in neutral, how much play in amd out do you have? I agree you should check shift rod height but,...did it work fine since the last time you had it off?

 

[w2much]

It is not my boat or motor but I am told all was good. I would say there is about 1/4" of play at the engine side, remote in neutral. I will go back out and check the throttle to compare. I too thought stretched cable, they look to be in good condition. I was wondering how stainless cable could stretch .
also to note is that the shift lever where the cable connects is not at 12 o clock. It is not as far as 1 but is past 12, lets say 20 minutes.. I notice the shift detent has two bolts. For adjustment ?

 

[jakedaawg]

Its the caseing that stretches...or shrinks maybe??? Idk. But if its cracked that's what I find...hard to get all the gears. Shift rod height has been an issue maybe once or twice in 20 years for me. That's just my experience though.

 

[w2much]

Thank you. And the shift rod height can be compensated for at the trunion correct. ?

 

[racerone]

Shift rod height should be checked and set to the correct dimension.-----Gears are very expensive and as is you risk damage.

 

[w2much]

I agree, I learned that lesson hard in the past. I was going to use it as part of my evaluation of this motor. I think I hope that I may have figured out that the shift detent appears as though it may have moved. Maybe no loctite on the screws ? I moved it so that now my shift lever points straight up to 12 o clock. I put the cables on and went through the gears while hand turning the flywheel. Everything seemed in order but it was to late to run the motor. I will report back when I run it.
Thank you . The more replies the better.

 

[w2much]

I just ran the motor and am not pleased with the results of the detent being moved and tightened. I will remove the lower unit in order to check the shift shaft height. Still thinking bad shift cable as a possibility . Perhaps the clutch dog or reverse gear as it can go into forward it is reverse that is not cooperating.

 

[lindy46]

I'd replace the shift cable before tearing into the gearcase.

 

[jakedaawg]

Without the shift cable I can shift to forward , neutral and reverse. WIth the shift cable connected I can get forward or I can get reverse .

The story is changing...

 

[jakedaawg]

. Perhaps the clutch dog or reverse gear as it can go into forward it is reverse that is not cooperating.

see?

not trying to be a jerk...

 

[jakedaawg]

With info now given, it only takes what?, ten minutes to pull the lower? Check shift rod height.

With proper tools you could visually inspect shift dog in another 30 minutes plus 17$ worth of gear lube?

If all good, and setup done to spec replace cable...

I've seen your posts, I know you can figure this one out....

Again, not trying to be a jerk.

 

[w2much]

I am still aways away from opening the gearbox. I just remembered that I have a control box with cables in good condition in the shed. It is the side panel type but that should not matter. I will take another shot at it tomorrow.
.

 

[w2much]

I agree, I agree and I agree. Except for how long it would take me. Not only do I move slow but I have to wait for the sun to move behind my shade tree for me to get anything done. Yes, my imagination runs wild when I cant' figure something out. I try to think outside the bun which can make a sloppy mess.of things.
That being said. I switched the cables and control box and that seems to have been the issue. I will run it and test it and purchase new cables. I hope its a done deal. If not "I'll be bock "
As always Thanks for the help it is appreciated.