Honda BF5 (2006) Stiff Gear Shift

[johnny81]

I have owned this outboard for about 18 months and the gear shift has always been reasonably stiff, but when I took it out last week it had become so stiff that I had to use two hands to get it in and out of gear. I was worried that I may have a problem with the gear case so I disconnected the shift linkage but it remains just as difficult to move the shift lever even with the shift linkage disconnected. I suppose at this point I was somewhat relieved that I didn't seem to have a problem with the gear case, but I'm now wondering if anyone has any ideas what could be causing it to be so difficult to shift. I've sprayed lots of lubricating oil over everything i can see up the top with no real effect. Any help gratefully received.

 

[isaksp00]

Re: Honda BF5 (2006) Stiff Gear Shift

I don't know the BF5, but on my circa '91 8HP the shift lever connects to the top of the shift rod using a clevis pin attached to a fitting on the top of the rod, that is screwed onto the threaded rod. The rod itself goes all the way down the leg into the lower unit as a single unit. I am not sure what you mean by having disconnected the shift linkage - if the same as the older 8HP, do you mean that fitting up at the top of the rod? If so, the only stiffness in the lever should be pretty obvious to see. Do you have a factory svc manual, or at least did you look at diagrams on a parts sale web site?

 

[johnny81]

Re: Honda BF5 (2006) Stiff Gear Shift

Apologies for not getting back sooner. The shift linkage I'm referring to is the one in the lower leg that you loosen when changing the impeller in order to remove the gear case. Having taken the boat out again last week it does seem to have loosened slightly, but compared to my Yamaha 15hp it is still much stiffer. I did have a look at the parts diagrams online but wasn't quite sure how everything fitted together. I'm hoping from your explanation above, that what I can see underneath the engine cover is what is causing the stiffness. I will see how it goes and if it gets worse again, will maybe consider taking all this to pieces.

Many Thanks for your help

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Honda BF5 (2006) Stiff Gear Shift

When you shift upper lever with lower rod disconnected, is it hard to move ? If so apply W40 to all sliding, rotating parts let soak and oil them again, to grease them will need to be disasssembled, too much work. Is lower unit at its correct gear oil level ? You could have salt formation betweeen lower rod and bushing, apply W40, let soak to penetrate, apply some oil drops.

Happy Boating