Re: Firestone 7.5 & 10hp outboards

[ggoldy]

quote Buccaneer:

Jeff, my 5hp Firestone had a small hole drilled in the end of the so named “shift push rod” bore to prevent hydraulic lock.
It looked factory drilled to me.

I think this detent gadget, when stuck, is what causes the unnecessary force on the shift rod and fork. Operators push harder on the shift arm. I have two, one with the hole and one without. Both are stuck in a semi compressed position. Will not shift with the detent device in place. Shifts well without it. I want to insert a probe through the hole and knock loose the cam, but this is what I do just before I break something 🙁 I can see it happening! I doubt the motor will stay in gear without the detent cam.