1975 45hp Chrysler shift is screwy. Help!!!

Hello, I have been having this problem with my Chrysler motor. It goes into reverse quite easy but when I put into forward gear it stays in neutral. After rocking the throttle back and forth a few times it will then go into fwd gear. I checked the linkage at the throttle and all seems fine. I checked the linkage on the motor and also where the linkage comes apart to take the lower unit off. Last year I replaced all the seals in the lower unit. Another thing I want to mention is that I just checked the gear oil and it is almost black. Since I replaced the seals I might have put 20ish hours on the motor. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Not familiar with the old Chryslers that much, but it sounds like the shift linkage needs adjusting on your engine. I have had similar issues with another brand in the past.

 

am i missing a adjustment somewhere? everything i checked was tight.

 

I think the black oil is ok. If water was getting in it would be milky in color. I also am not familiar with the old chryslers, but most outboards have a shift shaft that runs down the leg to actuate the gear box in the lower unit. It sounds like when you put the lower unit back on you didn't get the shifting shaft alignment correct. Loosen the clamp on the shifting shaft, make sure the engine and throttle are both in neutral and retighten. Then make sure it shifts correctly. Might have to try a couple times to get it right.

 

Thanks, I'll give it a try.