96 Force 120HP Outboard Shifting Problem

[Mike-Phoenix]

My 1996 Force Outboard 120HP has a shifting problem from neutral to reverse (& visa versa). I have eliminated the Shifter and cable as the culprit since the same problem exists when I disconnect cable.<br /><br />With the cable disconnected and manually shifting at the lever under engine cover (engine running). There are 3 positions that the lever can be moved into: Forward, Neutral and Reverse. When in neutral position there is a clicking sound from lower unit like it is “close” to be in neutral but not completely. In fact, when the motor is running the propeller spins very slowly – verifying that it is not fully engaged in neutral. If I twist the lever a little bit up toward the reverse position (but not the whole way), it then truly engages in neutral and the propeller stops. The moment I let go of the lever it then returns back to neutral position (and the propeller begins spinning slowly again).<br /><br />Moving the lever from the neutral position to forward is very smooth, yet it is almost impossible to move it from neutral back into reverse. If it does, a grinding of the gears sound usually occurs. My guess that this occurs because you are shifting directly from forward to reverse without pausing into neutral.<br /><br />Would appreciate any guidance before proceeding forward – thank you in advance

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: 96 Force 120HP Outboard Shifting Problem

Welcome to iboats.<br /><br />I think your cable just needs adjusting. Screw the anchor away from the end about 4 turns and see if that cures the problem. Otherwise your linkage could be sloppy. Where the shift shaft attaches to the linkage under the carbs, there are two nuts on a threaded rod. The nuts should be fairly tight against that fitting.<br /><br />Also check your idle speed. If it's too high, disengaging either gear can be tough.<br /><br />I should mention that the cable adjustment I mentioned above is a ballpark figure. It could take more or less adjusting. When it's properly adjusted, it should take about the same amount of lever movement on your remote to get either forward or reverse.

 

[Mike-Phoenix]

Re: 96 Force 120HP Outboard Shifting Problem

Thank you for your response.<br /><br />I should of mentioned that after learning the above, I did try to adjust cable and it runs out of thread. The idle speed is per spec.<br /><br />My gut feel is there is something wrong in the LU. Even when the motor is not running, moving the lever from neutral to reverse is next to impossible (when cable is removed).<br /><br />Any other ideas I am still receptive. <br /><br />Thank you again.