lower unit reverse problem

[pauldo]

On my last fishing trip, my motor (1994 fastrike 150; model J150GLERV) started making a clunking/knocking sound when put into reverse. It would not go backwards unless I really hammered the throttle. After having it inspected the mechanic advised me that he could adjust the gears so that I have a really good forward or a really good reverse but he could not establish a happy medium. Furthermore, he advised me to replace the reverse gear, clutch dog, and clutch pin. Does this sound like the proper diagnosis? I was thinking it could be shimmed so that the gears will mesh better.

[ChampioNman]

Better make sure your GC didn't get H20 in there and crack when we had that cold snap two weeks ago. I just brought one up to gearcase man Friday that had that happen to a customer of mine. He came in and said I have no reverse, found out he had a cracked case. .
If you have had the LU off make sure your shift rod height is correct before making any adjustments.

[mountbkr]

just had the same problem occur after an engine swap, had a less than perfect cable and couldnt get a good adjustment. Replaced the cable and still couldnt get it, turned out to be shifter rod adjustment was off.

[pauldo]

I assume that the mechanic has checked the shift rod and gear case condition being that he has broken down my LU and has all the parts in a box, but I will ask him to be certain. However, the question of shimming the reverse gear remains unanswered. Can it be done or will I be forced to purchase a new gear set? Also, has anybody had experience with gears from a company called GLM?

[ChampioNman]

Yes not a good repoire' with GLM.

[ChampioNman]

No you do not shim the reverse gear.

[pauldo]

I found a place that offered the complete gear set by GLM (forward, pinion, reverse, dog, and bearing) for $295. I should have known it was too good to be true. Are there any good aftermarket companies that make these gears or is there a place to buy OE parts at discount rates? I am trying to be conservative with cash being that I am fearful of a tremendous labor charge. By the way, what is a typical labor charge for this type of job?

[ChampioNman]

Contact Eddie Pope aka gearcase man he is up in Charleston TN and is the guru of the gear case! His contact info is in the one stop shopping link.

[gearcaseman]

If your gearcase is doing well in forward, all you really need is a reverse gear and maybe a clutch dog. This is one of the most common problems with these cases, as the adjustment could have been off slightly, it's just touching enough to work, but in the process it's rounding off the sharp edges, and over time it will create the problem of "ratcheting". You could fix the problem with a nice used gear (336561), and clutch dog, or aftermarket at a cost of @ 150.00. Labor would be in the 100.00 area (ballpark)

[noelm]

so with adjustment you can still get full reverse? does this still mean it is worn and not some other parts in the control box?

[gearcaseman]

Control box problems can contribute to the problem as well, but after the situation has gone on for a while, the wear in the gearcase has already begun.