Hey folks. I am trying to fix some problems on a 1968 Mercury 200 20HP twin motor that I have. While attempting to fix a shifting problem, I removed the shift shaft, and now I can't seem to get it back on. My repair manual isn't making it too easy. It seems like the shaft should just slide back in the same way it slid off, but it won't go. From the diagram, I can see that the shaft is supposed to fit into the cam inside the lower unit, but when I push the shaft shaft down and rotate, it doesn't seat.
When I removed it, it took a bit of effort to pull it out, so I thought maybe the propeller shaft (which can be pushed in a bit) might be part of the issue, since it ties into the cam through the gears/spring ect. Pushing it in didn't do anything however.
The cam and shaft are splined, so it seems like they should just fit in without too much trouble. The shaft is one piece with the e-clip, so I don't think there's anything causing a blockage.
What am I doing wrong?
When I removed it, it took a bit of effort to pull it out, so I thought maybe the propeller shaft (which can be pushed in a bit) might be part of the issue, since it ties into the cam through the gears/spring ect. Pushing it in didn't do anything however.
The cam and shaft are splined, so it seems like they should just fit in without too much trouble. The shaft is one piece with the e-clip, so I don't think there's anything causing a blockage.
What am I doing wrong?
