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1986 Evinrude 25 hp won't shift

RicS1953

RicS1953

Member
Hi- My outboard needed the broken skeg (from previous owner) repaired and the welder said the lower unit would need to be disassembled for the welding to be done. I took it apart for that reason, plus give the parts an inspection and replace all the seals in the gear case once the welding was completed. Plus replaced the impeller while the lower unit was off. I reassembled and replaced the lower unit with it in forward gear, started the engine and discovered that I couldn't shift into neutral or reverse. Yes, it's filled with the proper new gear lube for those that might be wondering. Any ideas on why it won't shift? :(
 
I removed the lower unit for the trip back to my workshop, and no, it will not shift- the lower shift rod won't move either
up (forward), down (neutral), or further down (reverse). Judging by the upper shift rod it appears that the full range of shifting takes place in about 3/8" or so of travel. On a unit that does shift properly, about how hard or easy is it to shift by gripping the lower shift rod? I referred to my Seloc 1302 manual for the disassembly and reassembly on this project.
Are there any better sources for this particular job that I should refer to?
 
Sure you got the two balls back in proper place?
Without the special tool when installing the prop shaft it may be a bit tricky!!
 
Yes, I did, but not without a lot of swearing! The job was such a p.i.t.a. that at the time, I promised myself that I'd
never attempt that again. Of course now I realize it may be necessary to go back into it to try to determine what the problem(s) is (are). I'm tempted to see a pro for this job but worry that going that route might require taking out a second mortgage!
 
haffiman37,
I followed your advice and removed the pivot screw (I had heard that removing it pretty much required a disassembly and reassembly of the lower unit in order to get the pivot screw placed properly, but heck, since the lower shift rod wouldn't budge at all I figured another take-down would probably be necessary at this point).
After removal, I managed to manipulate the lower shift rod through the forward-neutral-reverse positions
and replaced the pivot screw and checked the shifting again, and all is good!!
Thank you so very much haffiman37- you are truly a Prince among men! :cool:
 
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