shift spool replacement

[chris650]

Does anybody have any experience in checking and replacing a shift spool? 1978 mc-1. Just wondering whats all involved in the job. Thx

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: shift spool replacement

Yep, done a few.lower needs to be completely dis-assembled

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: shift spool replacement

 

[achris]

Re: shift spool replacement

The shift spool is in the front end of the prop shaft. You need to remove the bearing carrier and reverse gear, then take the pinion nut off and pull the drive-shaft out. Then the pinion gear will drop out. THEN you can pull the propshaft out.

Why do you think you need to replace the spool? I have never found one to be worn enough to warrant replacement.

Chris.......

 

[ktbarrentine]

Re: shift spool replacement

Does anybody have any experience in checking and replacing a shift spool? 1978 mc-1. Just wondering whats all involved in the job. Thx

Checking is as easy as putting your shifter in FWD and rotating your prop CCW to see if it locks, and then CW to see if it "ratchets". Then do same for reverse (CW lock, CCW ratchet). If that doesnt give you satisfactory results, then pull the drive and shift into FWD and REV manually (on the bench) and do the same prop checks.

Agreed with Chris.... Wondering why considering replacing? Report back with test results. best of luck!!

 

[chris650]

Re: shift spool replacement

thanks for replying chris! Ok, heres my situation..not considering replacing shift spool, just curious about it due to a suggestion from a reply I got on this forum. So heres whats happening...prior to changing the lower shift cable,i wasn't getting full lock in reverse on the water. With the cable properly adjusted, I did a static test in the driveway, you know, shift into forward,turn prop ccw. Prop would lock, no problem. I would do the test for reverse,turn prop cw...and nothing. Free spinning just as if it were in neutral. So I moved the stud to the top of the slot,it would act like it wanted to engage, I could feel the clutch face making contact,but no lock. So...following protocol,i changed the lower shift cable first. Got it all set up, 6 in. from center to center right on the money,and guess what...it didn't solve the issue. I took the cable off the shift plate and while pushing it all the way in had someone rotate the prop,forward engaged,just as with the old one. Pulled it out and had the prop rotated cw, reverse

 

[chris650]

Re: shift spool replacement

my bad on the last post, I would like to thank ALL that reply!

 

[ktbarrentine]

Re: shift spool replacement

Pulled it out and had the prop rotated cw, reverse

Sounds like your weren't finished with this thought?....:noidea:

 

[FreeBeeTony]

Re: shift spool replacement

Is her referring to the clutch dog?

 

[chris650]

Re: shift spool replacement

it cut me off and didn't auto save the rest. Ill post the rest in a bit

 

[chris650]

Re: shift spool replacement

ok, the rest of the story..........reverse would only lock when the cable is pulled to the extreme,and I mean the last 1/16th of an inch of cable travel, if that. So basically, theres no way im going to get the travel I need to engage reverse on the shift plate. So that's what is pointing me in the direction of the lower gear housing. Now, when I had the drive unit off, I discovered the shift shaft and took notice of the rotation and it became more clear to me how shifting gears works on a direct drive. From having no experience though, the problem im having is knowing how things should "feel", if that makes any sence. Should that shaft rotate easily with some slight effort, or should it fly? My gut tells me that my problem lies with worn parts due to the simple fact that the boat is 36yrs old...clutch,gears etc. But I have hope, a fools hope, that maybe im missing something, or not looking in the right place? Now what I did, and I know you guys are gunna give me hell for it, but I took the lever off

 

[chris650]

Re: shift spool replacement

took it into work ,put it on a Bridgeport and extended that slot. This solved the problem it seems, but I know its just a Band-Aid. I think I could be best helped if some of you experienced guys ask me some diagnostic questions. I may not know everything about this, but I can answer specific questions accurately. For example...I know that during a dry static test, when shifted in forward the prop will rachet clockwise. What I don't know is how it should feel as far as tension. Should it rotate freely, or should it be tight? All help will be greatly appreciated. Bare with me, im learning!

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: shift spool replacement

page 1C-40 http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6C1R3.PDF

 

[achris]

Re: shift spool replacement

Have you checked the amount of free movement of the lower shift shaft that is laid out in the service manual?

EDIT:Beaten by a minute... That's the section of the manual I was going to post...

 

[chris650]

Re: shift spool replacement

no. I will look up in the manual what you are talking about right now.

 

[chris650]

Re: shift spool replacement

I will have to pull the drive back off to do that test. That was a good link you sent me BT! Much clearer pictures then the mercruiser service manual. Thank you!

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: shift spool replacement

They are from the Mercruiser manual.

 

[achris]

Re: shift spool replacement

I will have to pull the drive back off to do that test. That was a good link you sent me BT! Much clearer pictures then the mercruiser service manual. Thank you!

That IS the Mercruiser manual....

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: shift spool replacement

Here is the complete manual, let me know if it opens.
http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/6/6covr3.pdf

 

[chris650]

Re: shift spool replacement

I see. When I mentioned the mercruiser manual, I was referring to the old black & white ones that are on the boatinfo.no websight.