OK to Stand it on it’s Head?

[drifter]

Ok, I’ll admit it…this is probably a dumb question.
I have a friend (really) who has a 1956 Evinrude 7.5hp (fleetwin). While running, at idle, the shift handle flops back and forth and under power it slips out of gear. Reverse is fine.
So, I’m sure that the clutch dog is badly worn and needs replacement. He tells me the impeller was replaced a short time ago. There are no other issues with the lower unit (no water in gear lube and no gear lube leaking)
I’m thinking that an efficient way to replace just the clutch dog would be to stand the outboard on it’s flywheel (properly cushioned) and replace the part with a new one (I have on hand) while the outboard is inverted. I have replaced clutch dogs many times but never using this procedure.
I am simply trying to avoid pulling the power head and lower unit if it’s not necessary.
Do you see any problems with my approach?
Thanks for the help.
Drifter

[frankr]

It is bad practice to turn any motor upside down because water trapped in lower cavities can run into the powerhead. But your real question is is it possible. I don’t think so. I don’t think the shift rod will drop down far enough to get the prop shaft/gears assembly out. But I don’t remember ever trying it on a 7.5

[billy-j]

frankr wrote:

It is bad practice to turn any motor upside down because water trapped in lower cavities can run into the powerhead. But your real question is is it possible. I don’t think so. I don’t think the shift rod will drop down far enough to get the prop shaft/gears assembly out. But I don’t remember ever trying it on a 7.5

Yes, do not turn it upside down I learned that the hard way. Once I carried a 1956 Johnson 30 HP. upside down, down the basement steps to store in the basement. Water trapped in the lower unit because the drain hole for the lower was plugged with sand and debris then ran into the cylinders. Did not use it for a few years it rusted and seized rings and cylinders.

[crosbyman]

pulling the head on the 7.5 is not that terrible a job … 7 bolts, a hose or two and the throttle post you can inspect the carbon seal while in there

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVOedhzPP7M

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

[billw]

Doesn’t the 7.5 have a pretty stiff detent on the lower shift shaft, inside the gear case? The dog and gear would have to be pretty darn worn to pop out by that detent.

As far as on it’s head, I would try it, myself, IF, IF, If I had the parts ready to repair it, on hand and could get it back together in one day. Of course, pulling the power head and doing it right really isn’t as bad as it sounds, and who knows what the water pump looks like?

Long live American manufacturing!

[drifter]

Good thoughts on the water intrusion and the throw length of the shift rod.
I will pull the power head and do a thorough job of repair. At this point all I know is the shift arm wobbles in forward and it slip out of gear. Reverse is fine.
Could be the clutch dog, forward gear, shift rod detent spring or shift rod wear.
Thanks
Drifter

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