In figure 12-3, the forward rotating com-ponents are color coded green; the reverse rotating components are color coded red. clutch has a positive neutral that is set when the operating lever (M), which operates the throw-out fork (L), is placed in the middle position. Then the sliding sleeve (K) is also in a middle position, and the floating pressure plate (C) rotates freely between the two clutch disks (D and E). The only control the operator has is to cause the floating plate to bear heavily against either the forward disk or the reverse disk, or to put the floating plate in the positive neutral position so that it rotates freely between the two disks.

Forward Rotation

When the operating lever (M) is pushed for-ward, the sliding sleeve (K) is forced backward. In this position, the pressure link (H) of the spring-loaded mechanism (J) pulls the floating pressure plate (C) against the forward clutch disk (D). (NOTE: Several links must be used around the perimeter of the floating pressure plate to equalize the force against either of the two clutch plates.) The forward clutch friction disk, in turn, is pressed against the front plate (B), which is bolted to and rotates with the engine flywheel. The friction disk immediately begins to rotate with the front plate at engine speed because the forward friction disk has internal teeth that are in mesh with the external gear teeth on the left end of the forward sleeve (F). The forward sleeve shaft (F) transmits the rotation to the propeller shaft through the two-gear train (forward pinion and forward gear). Note the directional arrow for forward rotation.

Reverse Rotation

When the operating lever (M) is pulled back as far as it can go, the sliding sleeve (K) is pushed forward. In this position, the floating pressure plate (C) is forced against the reverse friction clutch plate (E). In turn, the reverse disk is pressed against the backplate (A), which is also bolted to the engine flywheel. At engine speed, the reverse friction clutch plate begins to rotate with the backplate because the reverse friction disk has internal teeth that are in mesh with the external gear teeth on the left end of the inner reverse shaft (G). The reverse shaft transmits the rotation through the three-gear train (reverse pinion gear, idler gear, and reverse gear). Notice the idler gear. This gear transmits motion from the reverse pinion gear to the reverse gear without a change in direction between the two. Note the directional arrow for reverse rotation.