Mercontrol dual function single shifter dissassembly

I have an older model mercontrol, single post shifter that controls shifting, throttle and houses a neutral safety switch for my 1970 mercruiser 3.0L with a 120/140 drive. I have narrowed down my shifting problems to the control. The stern drive shifts fine with the cable but not with the shifter. I need to take my control apart and cannot figure how to do it (can't even get the handle off). My mercruiser manual was no help, which only discusses the commander control. Old posts indicated that there were manuals to be had (a detailed B&W in PDF format) from alcan or ed-ski. I would certainly appreciate it if someone could send that baby my way. A pic of my control is attached.



thanks
Woody Fisher
dratwoods@msn.com

Re: Mercontrol dual function single shifter dissassembly

They are fairly simple to work on. When I bought my boat mine was laying in the floor in about 15 peices. I managed to get it back together without too much trouble and no manual. However, I later replaced it with a cheap model since there were no replacement parts available. To get the handle off there is a hexhead screw in the bottom of the handle. To get to the guts of the thing you will have to take your sidewall down.

Re: Mercontrol dual function single shifter dissassembly

I found the hex head set screw and completely removed the screw. The handle slides out about 1/4" to 1/2" and stops as if there is some retaining ring that I can't see. I didn't want to pry and risk breaking it. The handle moves but just won't come all the way off.

Re: Mercontrol dual function single shifter dissassembly

Someone on a different site indicated that the neutral button pops out on the mercontrol lever he used to have. Can anyone confirm that? Take a look at my original picture above. The center button pushes in to unlock the lever and take it out of neutral.