Mariner 3.3 gear problem

[dawnsall]

The outboard works fine, but when it gets hot I cannot re-engage gear after being in neutral. I can't understand why. I have changed the gear oil and lubricated anything I can find. Can anybody give me any pointers please. Thanks in advance.

 

[VicS]

Are you saying you cannot move the lever or that the lever moves normally but the gear does not not engage.

 

[Talbot]

sometimes when they are dropped on the wrong side, the gear change lever can get bent.

 

[seumask]

I recall this issue being posted on this forum several times a few years ago. From memory this I think is cured by taking the bit of the gear lever you operate with your hand out of the case sanding back the point at which it sticks, reassabling with grease applied liberally.

 

[dawnsall]

It is the actual lever that I struggle to move.

But whether or it means that the lever is stiff because of the gear mechanism I'm not sure. I can't understand why the lever mechanism would move when cold, but not when hot. I guess I'll try again and remove the lever, although I'm scared I might break it.

I had no luck searching the forum.

Thanks for your help.

 

[VicS]

I am pretty sure you would be able to tell if the handle was free. You would feel some movement.

I certainly cannot think of any reason why the gear box end should become stiff when the engine is warm. After all it is well cooled down there!

You will be able to locate exploded diagrams of both the gear box and the shift mechanism on THIS SITE Go to the Parts Catalog select "Mariner" the year and the model number and the you'll be able to find the diagrams (Don't be fussed if you are not sure of the exact year or the model number because as far as I can see they are all the same.

It shows some lubrication for the lever shaft but I don't know what grease is recommended. Just free it up as suggested and grease it with some light grease.

(Proper outboards like my Evinrude have a grease nipple at that point!)