shifter

[Twins 57 Fan]

I recently replaced the impeller on my 1996 75hp Force outboard. Everything works great except shifting is much more difficult. Forwards and reverse are working fine, but the shifter is tough to push in to gear.

I did have to disconnect the shift rod to drop the lower unit. Is that what is making it tougher. can it be too tight or loose?

Any help would be great!

[MN Angler]

I did the same thing last summer and have the same problem, mine is an older 80s 15hp evinrude. Not sure what the problem is either.

[eurolarva]

Try removing the lower unit again. Then put the shifter in forward and the lower unit into forward then reassemble. I believe this motor has to be in forward for the gears to work correctly when you remove the lower unit.

[Twins 57 Fan]

How do I put the lower unit in forward gear when I have it down?

[marine_man]

When you have the lower unit dropped down pull up or push down on the shift rod and rotate the prop at the same time. I can't recall off hand which direction it is, but you should be able to verify it by rotating the prop and seeing which way it spins (and doesn't click). Clockwise is forward.

marine_man