My Bravo 1 OD has been shifting a little hard once and a while all summer. Yesterday I was out in the boat and it was really tough to get it in to gear, forward and reverse. But no problem going into neutral.

I was going to remove the back plate on the out drive and try to lube the ball and spring detent and shift mech to see if that helps. Never done this before. My question is, if I remove the plate will a bunch of spring loaded stuff come flying out at me? Also, is there anything else I should look for.

Like I said, going from in gear to neutral is ok. The problem is going from neutral in to gear. So I think the cable and linkage is ok. Any advice will be appreciated.

Thanks

Anyone ??

If you take the cover off nothing will fly out at you, (except gear oil) just make sure you see where the o ring gaskets go and how they fit. I have seen some of the internal shift parts get pretty mangled and the drive will still shift. It sounds like something is about to give inside. Take a look.

Thanks. I'll open it up today.

Took the plate off, cleaned out the crud, fresh grease and took her for a spin. It shifts like new!! The main problem was that there was some sticky chitt that kept the ball from being pushed into the shaft. Also some crud in the shaft and springs. All better now though ;o)

Nothing looked too beat up. But I'll be pulling the boat for the season soon. Plan to take the boat to Stern Drive Specialists for annual out drive service. I'll have them check things out.

Thanks excaliburhawk40.