Re: Force 75 Forward/Reverse Adjustment
Assuming that your OB is on the boat and the control cables are connected, with control in "neutral": First "learn" on the lower unit linkage how much travel there is before feeling the output shaft engaging the forward and reverse gears. Coat both upper and lower linkage threads w. marine grease. <br /><br />With the locking nut some distance away thread the adjustment nut on to the upper shift linkage shaft by 1 turn (counterclockwise as I remember). Now raise linkage from lower unit to touch/mate with bottom of nut, turning to bring linkage ends towards each other. Apply slight turning pressure to the output shaft(or prop)to find the point where it turns freely as you adjust and get from "forward" to "neutral".<br /><br />Shift control into forward>reverse>neutral. Check that the output shaft still turns freely, if not re-adjust to that point. Mark the midpoint of the adjustment nut on the motor housing adjacent to it and "eyeball" the distance that it moves up past the mark as you (just) shift into reverse and the same downwards as you shift into forward. You want the two distances to be about the same, or you may be revving too high as you throttle into gear. All this, of course, as you apply turning pressure to the output shaft so that you can feel as the gearing just starts to engage.<br /> <br />Repeat the control shift forward>reverse>neutral and check again that the output shaft turns freely. If all is OK, tighten locking nut. Otherwise, finesse your adjustment until you're back in neutral. If your shifting action was OK before the water pump work, you should be fine and not have to make any adjustment to the cable itself.<br /><br />If you are "ham fisted" and need more room/clearance to connect and adjust the linkage, disconnect the upper linkage from the shift rod that comes down through the bottom cowling. Again, with the control in "neutral" connect the 2 shafts and adjust as above, finding a point equidistant (and exposing an equal number of threads on both linkage shafts) in the up/down linkage play where the output shaft turns freely and the upper linkage and shift rod bolt holes lineup. Reconnect the linkage and shift rod. Again, finesse adjusting nut as necessary to effect a smooth shift to "neutral"with equal travel distance.<br /><br />Alot of words to describe a fairly straight forward process I'm afraid. Good luck, and use the usual care if you check your work using muffs.
<br /><br />Thanks for your Help. <br />Mike