Honda 25 hp Reverse selector locking up

[billygee]

Having this issue with my neighbors 25hp Honda Outboard locking up in reverse and unable to hand shift it back into neutral.
tried adjusting the selector rod, which did help a little but still acts up until the prop is turned by hand then it will shift out from reverse.
(of course the motor has to be shut down for this to take place)

Please advise, as still trying to find a schematic diagram for this lower unit, and parts availability.

Thank You
billygee

 

[hondam]

If the motor is not running right and you have the idle set to high this can be normal. It should idle at 900 rpms in neutral.

There is nothing that can be unscrewed or adjusted in the lower unit. The shift shaft is held into a wedge by a roll pin. The wedge is what pushes the clutch and engages it into each gear.

 

[billygee]

Thanks hondam,

but the motor is running excellent condition with a lower idle than 900rpm.
Evidently the shift shaft must be holding a different pressure point so as the wedge must be doing something to eliminate the lock up at times.

what other possibilities would cause this

as if I could get a schematic, I might be able to disassemble the unit to ck for wear.

 

[hondam]

You just pull the seal out of the top of the lower unit and the whole thing slides out. I have seen grooves and flat spots develope on the wedge before this may be causing get it.

Unrelated note, idle needs to be between 850 and 950 for proper circulation of oil. It will idle lower but is not recommended and usually will not give an oil pressure alert

 

[billygee]

again Thanks hondam on the heads up for proper oil circulation idle, (never thought of that) and the wedge issue.

You have any suggestion as to where I might purchase on line this wedge and seal, (other than a Honda Dealer Ship) should this be the problem ?

 

[hondam]

If the seal is not leaking it probably wont need to be replaced. The seal is in a holder and the outside of the holder is sealed by an oring. You remove the entire holder and just put a little lube on the oring before you slide it back in and it should be fine. The lower unit should be always be pressure tested after reassembly though to make sure.

I have not come across any reliable sources online, ebay is hit and miss, and iboats has left a lot to be desired. It seems every time i have to order something online it takes 2 weeks or more to get it. Very frustrating in the middle of summer and people want their boats back. Just tried a new source and still waiting after 10 days for a johnson exhaust seal. Wish i could help but i havent had any luck at all.

I know this isnt the answer your looking for but developing a relationship with your local dealer can sometimes pay dividends in the future.