cannot shift with motor laying on its side.

Last weekend I purchased a 1989 (per customer) 90hp 3cyl mercury outboard.
Due to weather and work it is still laying in the bed of my truck. I was
checking all the connectors for compatibility with my old 50hp merc and I tried
to make sure it would shift. the prop free wheels in one direction and ratchets in the other direction. the shift linkage is a bar that slides on another flat bar, I can move the linkage and see the shift shaft turn but
it makes no difference in the prop movement. Does laying on its side have
anything to do with the shifting in the lower unit?
Thanks
Les

Re: cannot shift with motor laying on its side.

Turn the flywheel an inch or so then try to shift it again

Re: cannot shift with motor laying on its side.

thanks kenny. Its going to rain for the next couple of days so i wont be
able to try till it stops. (good thing truck has a camper shell.) I will try
turning the crank a soon as I can.
Les