Logo
FULL SITE MENU

1998 BF90 trying to find neutral

L

lwellbo

New member
Just changed out the Impeller. I have done this before on Merc. Reading the book "the drive shaft clockwise and the shift shaft until neutral is indicated". When I turn the drive shaft it always turns the prop. However turning the prop clockwise and hearing and feeling a click does not turn the drive shaft. This is at any postion that the shift shaft is at. Could someone help maybe this is the way it is suppose to be or not. I had aways thought in neutral the prop would be free wheeling. Thanks
Chuck
 
Yes...if it is neutral the prop should freewheel.

The shift shaft should have a small flat spot on one side. You have to really look close to see it. That flat spot should be oriented to the front of the gearcase.

You should be able to turn the drive shaft and turn the shift shaft at the same time until you find neutral.

If for some reason you pulled the shift shaft out of the gear case, you may not have put it back properly.

Mike
 
Thanks Mike for your help. I guess I could be blind, but I still don't see a small flat spot. Every thing looks the same from top of the shift shaft to the bottom. However I can turn the drive shaft and turn the shift shaft at the same time.. I guess my question how would I know if I am in neutral. My prop is turning as well. When i turn the prop by hand clockwise I get the click and can feel it in shift shaft. Maybe thats a clue.
Again I do appreciate your thoughts. This lower end was working before I took it off.
Thanks Chuck
 
Now that I relook at the year of your engine....if you have a stainless steel housing on your water pump and if your water intakes are a series of vertical holes about 1/4 inch in diameter, then you have the original drive for the 90 HP. It is actually a Mercury gear case.

If it is, then they are not so easy to find neutral, so do not feel bad.



Try this method...instead of turning the drive shaft, wiggle the prop shaft back and forth. One way it should lock, the other way it may ratchet. Wiggle the prop shaft back and forth while you very slowly turn the shift shaft. There will be a point when the prop shaft will not lock and will rotate freely.

If it is locking when you turn the prop shaft clockwise, then it is in reverse. Likewise, if it is locking when the prop shaft in turning counterclockwise, then it in forward.

Just be very patient and do it very slowly...you'll find it.

Mike
 
Mike you got it right. It has the stainless steel housing and veritical holes. I have have spent a lot of time trying your method. Maybe there is something wrong with the lower end. Let me explain what I've got. I turn the prop shaft clockwise it will turn the drive shaft as well until I get a click or maybe its the lock you are describing. Counterclockwise it turns the Drive shaft as well but freely, no click. This is how it is no matter where I adjust the Shift Shaft. One question I do have is that if I find Neutral and the prop shaft turns freely without the click will the Drive shaft turn as well or is it disconnected?? However I have not found Neutral as of yet. I hoping that what I have explain my shed some light and that you may have some thoughts. Again This 90 ran qreat two years ago. Is there a pin or something that might have come lose inside?
Thanks for any help you can give me.
Chuck
 
Back
Top