3.3/3.5hp 2-stroke outboard problems

[BobnLesley]

We have two, both of which I serviced a couple of days ago:
The 18 year old/3.3hp Mercury was slow to drain the oil from the leg, then wouldn't refill - after several failed attempts I removed the propeller shaft/bearing boss and poured it in that way. It seems as if the airway to the upper level/breather screw is blocked, any suggestions as to how this might've occured and how I might clear/cure it? Preferably without splitting the leg as the last time I did that it took me three days to line-up/seat the operating rods. Given that said hole is sealed in operation, I'm assuming that other than stopping the fresh oil being blown-in, it shouldn't cause any problems?

The other motor's an eighteen month old Nissan 3.5 hp has a very stiff in/out of gear switch, I'd assumed when new that it'd ease-off with use, but if anything it seems to be getting harder to use and feels worse when the engine's hot; any suggestions as to how/if it can be improved?

 

[VicS]

As far as the Mercury is concerned I would look at the possibility that the upper bearing is out of place and blocking the vent/ level hole. Something to look into when the gear case is next removed to fit a new water pump impeller.. Just a guess Dont even know if that is possible. If the vent is above the bearing has someone fitted a sealed or semi-sealed bearing ????

The usual reasons gear shifts become stiff is lack of lubrication and corrosion round the shift lever shaft but it should not have been unduly stiff when new,. Needs investigation to confirm, dismantling , easing and lubricating. Preferably before you break the lever off.

Investigate by disconnecting the joint between upper and lower shift rods to see if the stiffness really is in the upper section ( mark the position of the clamp to aid reassembly)

 

[TQA]

Stiff gear lever is a known issue with the Nissan. It is corrosion on the lever bearing in the housing and not anything lower down.

Get it out NOW and clean off the corrosion lubricate and reassemble. If you don't it seizes up completely and breaks.

Spraying with any kind of snake oil does not work.

 

[BobnLesley]

Stiff gear lever is a known issue with the Nissan. It is corrosion on the lever bearing in the housing and not anything lower down...

This was stiff from he day we bought it? Could it really have been corroded from day one?