1977 Evinrude 85 hp (85793s) shift issue

[Sjbechner]

I have taken lower unit off of motor. I can manually shift it from fwd to neutral and to reverse and back. It’s really rough to do so. I have to use a rubber mallet and a pair of vice grips. It’s to rough for my shifter to do it when it’s on the boat. I’m looking for advice if there’s a way to just clean it up and lube it up. Or if I need to start replacing stuff

 

[racerone]

What is the condition of the gear oil ?----Those units use oil pressure assist to reduce the effort , but motor needs to be running / turning to get oil pressure from the pump.

 

[Sjbechner]

I drained oil it looked nasty. No metal shavings just a little rough looking. It was stuck in neutral no matter my control box that’s why I took it off.

 

[Boobie]

It could also be the o-ring around the shift rod where it goes into the lower unit.

 

[Sjbechner]

Okay thanks. I’ll have to put it back together this week and try stuff out

 

[Boobie]

You should check that shift rod o-ring before you bolt it back up to the power head.

 

[Sjbechner]

Are you talking about the o ring on the shift rod cover?