In reply to the first response,
thanks,
yes its a 1979 "oil injected" and Im glad I could show you something new for your knowledge base.
Its an outboard motor and getting it off the "permanently" moored 35 foot house boat to check the gear oil is difficult.
My last option is to remove it and check things like that. It doesnt tilt up enough to expose the lower end.
second response,
thanks,
part of my trouble shooting was to remove the shift cable and manually shift with my hand at the motor connection point with the engine not running. It moves freely. So why would it be so stiff when the engine is idling?
If it was a gear oil issue it would be stiff even with the motor not running.
If putting the engine in gear with the engine off will damage anything then no motor is worth having as this is completely retarded.
I dont believe putting a outboard motor in gear manually while not running will damage anything.
Dog clutch is made to be "slammed" into gear with moving parts. Its some of the hardest metal made.
EVER single out board Ive ever heard put into gear has that clunk sound. Thats to gears being put together while one of them is moving.
Its designed that way.
Back to original question....
easy engaging movment when not running, very stiff movement and engaging when running.
Difference? engine running / not running....... idling slow and normal when running.
very hard to twist vertical rod that goes to dog clutch when running, when not running it twists very easily.
what can cause this...besides oil...cause like I already said....not the problem.