Lower unit hard Shifting

[MMadatic]

I have an Evenrude E150EXECD (1998) engine (lower unit is counterrotating). The unit shifts hard. It grinds when it is engaging. Its twin engine (same model) right hand rotating shifts with NOOOO noise. Once engaged the unit runs fine. I have played with the linkage with no success. I suspect wear in the lower unit.... What should I replace????

Help..., thanks Mike

[ChampioNman]

Nothing yet try swapping the shift interrupt switch on the linkage.

[MMadatic]

Thanks for the suggestion. I will change it this week and report back!!

Mike

[SEAHORSE]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MMadatic &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I have an Evenrude E150EXECD (1998) engine (lower unit is counterrotating). The unit shifts hard. It grinds when it is engaging. </TD></TR></TABLE>

IF this is a salt-water boat, then the hard shifting could be a buildup of Louisiana Lok-Tite affecting the linkage and other parts. Stiff shifting can also keep the linkage from going fully into gear, causing the grinding noise.

Disconnect the shift cable at the motor and move the engine shift lever by hand, while turning the prop with your foot. (yes, it does take a little bit of manual dexterity and co-ordination) If it is stiff to shift, remove the gearcase and check the shift shaft to shift cover oring for binding and the horizontal shift linkage bushings under the intake manifold. Corrosion can also affect the engine shift lever pivot bolt or the link ends on your particular motor. Check that the engine shift lever is not bent sideways which happens if someone tries to jam things into gear.

[MMadatic]

Well... here is the results. Removed the shift cable and she shifted very smoothly. Had to use my foot to rotate the prop (wasn't hard). It was very easy to put it into forward and reverse. Checked the shift interrupt switch. It appeared to be good, but the shift lever in the back of it was bent. I replaced the entire unit (shift switch and metal arm) from a spare engine, Re-adjusted the linkage, and put it in the water.
It shifts smoothly now , no grinding. It still clunks when it go into gear. I believe this is due to the idle speed. The engine idles at about 1300 RPM....Way to fast. Its smooth twin idles at 700 RPM. I didn't have the manual with me to set the idle (timing). That will be next weeks fix. I dont have the "special" tool so I will have to wing it...


Thanks for the help, Mike