gear shift out of line

[Bob Wallace]

Just changed the water pump impeller and put the lower unit back on. One problem its in forward all the time. With out a lot of hit and miss can anyone tell me an easy way to aline the gear shift.
Thank
Bob

[79Merc80]

Hello and welcome to Iboats.

First off, what engine are we talking about?

Second, what has worked for me (Keep in mind that all I have everowned were inline 6's) is to take the lowe3r unit back off, put the controls in neutral, then find neutral on the shift shaft one the lower unit and slide it back on.

Third, if that doesn't work or make sence, others will chime in soon.

HTH, Craig

[GA_Boater]

Welcome aboard, Bob. Just like 79 said. Use a pair of pliers and a rag to turn the shift shaft. You can feel the F-N-R detents. Also if you have reverse lock make sure the low spot on the reverse lock cam on the shift shaft faces forward. I got mine off a spline and the reverse lock is on until I shift into forward. Just one of the things I need to adjust next time I drop the lower unit.

Put up your motor specs and serial number and we can be exact on the fix. Have fun on the water!