Hard shifting after rebuilding lower end

[mcarlito]

Hello,<br />So we just finished rebuilding my lower end unit and after installing it back onto the stem, I have hard time shifting. I removed the cable and am shifting hard into F-N-R. I am turning the prop while I'm doing this. When I hook up the cable again, I can shift but it feels really hard. One observation my son and I made while placing the new O-ring on the shifter lever bushing, the O-ring is tight and I mean tight. I did not add any lub. to the rod, should I have done this or am I missing something?? One more thing, the upper shifter rod moves when I have it disconnected from the lower shifter rod so that's ok.<br />Thanks for any feedback.<br /><br />Mike and son Zach <br />Still digging it!!

 

[OBJ]

Re: Hard shifting after rebuilding lower end

Mike....what engine we talkin' bout here buddy? Most us old guys are lucky to remember our own names. <br /><br />A little lite grease on the shift rod O'ring don't hurt. But it will get lubed from the gear oil.

 

[55Crestliner]

Re: Hard shifting after rebuilding lower end

Hoping you're not making the mistake I made once and tried shifting while the throttle was in the wrong position? (you know, the plate was impeding the shifter mechanism)

 

[mcarlito]

Re: Hard shifting after rebuilding lower end

OBJ,<br />sorry about that. It's a 1966 Johnson 60 hp VXL-12R, not sure what the R stands for? anyone??

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Hard shifting after rebuilding lower end

Try running the motor.You should have lubed that oring,but in using,the motor may self lube with gear lube. <br />DHP

 

[mcarlito]

Re: Hard shifting after rebuilding lower end

DHPMARINE<br /><br />Thank you I will go ahead with your suggestion.<br /><br />Mike and son Zach

 

[mcarlito]

Re: Hard shifting after rebuilding lower end

Hello with an update,<br />My son and I dropped the lower end one more time and noticed that the shifter rod was rubbing against the water pump housing. So we made a slight bend in the shifter rod, tried to shift and it fine. Bolted the lower unit back onto the stem and tried the lever, just fine, put the cable on and works just fine. Whenever you do a low end rebuild watch how the shifter rod is bent. I believe I put mine back 180 degrees out of aleignment.<br />Thanks to all<br />Mike and son Zach <br />We're both still digging it