Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: 95 Evinrude 88 SPL shift problems
Posted by modenacart on 08/09/09 - 1:05 PM
#1
I have a 95 88 SPL and I had a problem shifting into reverse today. The first time it happened, I just pushed the boat around and was able to clear the problem. It happened again and I wasn't able to get it to shift into reverse again. When I got home, it was clear the engine wasn't fully in fWD because I could feel the prop slipping. I took off the rig and check at the controls and the rod moved smoothly into position. I shifted the engine by hand into FWD and check to see if the prop engaged. It was fully engaged. I then shifted by hand into REV and it fully engaged. I put the rigging back on and everything worked normally. Is it normal for the lower unit to "jam" and have to be cleared or is this a problem in the making?
Thanks.
Joshua
Posted by Joe Kriz on 08/09/09 - 1:56 PM
#2
How old are the throttle and shift cables?
How old is are the controls and what type of controls do you have?
Posted by modenacart on 08/09/09 - 4:41 PM
#3
The controls and cables are from early 90s I think but I am not sure. Its a top mount OMC controller, silver and black. Not sure how to know what model. I will take a look. They have done very well until now.
Posted by modenacart on 08/09/09 - 4:42 PM
#4
Is there a point on the engine I should be greasing that relates to the shifter. I just greased my engine according to the OEM manual just two months ago.
Posted by modenacart on 08/09/09 - 4:59 PM
#5
I don't see any identifying markers on the controls.
Posted by Joe Kriz on 08/09/09 - 5:25 PM
#6
If you can move the shifter by hand on the engine and it works fine, I would consider starting off with new throttle and shift cables.
While you are replacing the cables, take a look at the shifter.
http://www.whalercentral.com/articles...icle_id=56
Posted by modenacart on 08/09/09 - 6:23 PM
#7
I just checked again and what appears to be the problem is when I put it in fast idle, it seems to be slow to go back to shift gears properly. I think if there is a place to grease the controller, that will solve the problem. It takes a lot of force to put it in fast idle.
Posted by Joe Kriz on 08/09/09 - 6:55 PM
#8
Still not sure which controls you have.
The top mount or Binnacle control doesn't really have a fast idle, it does have a feature that allows you to pull the handle out which allows the motor to remain in neutral while the throttle is advanced.
Edited by Joe Kriz on 08/09/09 - 8:35 PM
Posted by modenacart on 08/09/09 - 6:57 PM
#9
That feature is the one I am talking about.
The handle looks like the top middle, however the base is chrome plated. It has the tilt/trim on the handle and the words like the middle.
Edited by modenacart on 08/09/09 - 7:00 PM
Posted by Joe Kriz on 08/09/09 - 8:38 PM
#10
OK... yeah, that is just an earlier version with the chrome cover and a little different handle. The control is the same...
Sound like it needs to be cleaned and lubed inside.
Maybe new cables while you are at it unless you know the ones you have are good.
Posted by modenacart on 08/10/09 - 5:42 AM
#11
Is there a document that gives guidance for that or is it just open and look around?
Posted by blindeman on 08/10/09 - 6:41 AM
#12
I have a '94 88 SPL and had the same problem this Spring, except I couldn't put it in forward gear. i'm not a mechanic, so excuse me if i use the wrong terminology here, but there apparently are gears or teeth on the hub of the prop. mine we worn down apparently. we replaced the prop and all is good. shifts like a champ now.
Posted by modenacart on 08/10/09 - 7:45 AM
#13
Blindeman,
Were you able to get it to go into gear at all or it would never go? I got mine to go into gear and spun the prop and it didn't slip by hand. The problem I had was the throttle wouldn't even move to reverse.
Posted by modenacart on 08/10/09 - 3:06 PM
#14
I opened the control up and greased everything that looked like it moved. I noticed a small amount of metal shavings that looked shiny or fresh. Now its shifts smoothly into fwd and rev and it is easy to put into neutral where it was very hard to before. Hopefully it solves the problem.
Posted by Joe Kriz on 08/10/09 - 3:29 PM
#15
modenacart,
That's good news.
Yes, there are manuals on how to rebuild or work on the binnacle controls.
I have one for the newer 1996 and up to 2008 binnacle controls.
I don't have one for the model that you and I have though.
I do know that our binnacles have nylon bushings that also wear out and need replacing from time to time. At least that is what I remember...
You can look on BRP Online Parts Catalog and take a look at the parts for that model of binnacle.
Glad you got it working for now.
Posted by modenacart on 08/10/09 - 5:48 PM
#16
I tried the parts catalog and it kept giving me a web error.
Thanks for the assistance.
Posted by modenacart on 09/08/09 - 1:14 PM
#18
Bad news, metal was present in the lower unit. Next decision is rebuild or used.
Posted by Joe Kriz on 09/08/09 - 1:51 PM
#19
I suggest a rebuild. That way you know what you have.
Buying used, you never know what condition it is in for sure.
Posted by modenacart on 09/08/09 - 2:02 PM
#20
Kind of the direction I was heading in. I have only 7.2 hours on a rebuilt powerhead, I guess now I will have a completely rebuilt engine.
Posted by modenacart on 09/15/09 - 5:29 PM
#21
650 dollars later I now have a rebuilt lower unit. Shifts great, now I just have to get it on the water before it gets cold.
Posted by Joe Kriz on 09/15/09 - 5:55 PM
#22
That's good news.
Hopefully the rebuilt powerhead and the newly rebuilt lower unit will last you many trouble free years.
Posted by modenacart on 09/15/09 - 6:08 PM
#23
I am betting the tilt trim goes out next week.