2006 60hp merc,dropped gearcase now stuck in forward gear

Hi, Dropped the gear case to check on impeller condition which was fine and now it seems to be in forward gear when started. motor is in tank,have no reverse or neutral. shifter seems disconnected. Did not fool with any other linkage. any thoughts please. Thanks

Re: 2006 60hp merc,dropped gearcase now stuck in forward gear

You probably bumped either the shift rod or the forward control. Put the forward control into neutral. Pull the lower unit again and adjust the shift rod until the propeller spins freely. Re-assemble and you should be good to go.

Re: 2006 60hp merc,dropped gearcase now stuck in forward gear

Grease the driveshaft splines and shiftshaft when installing.

Re: 2006 60hp merc,dropped gearcase now stuck in forward gear

Thanks Jake, will try and get her done tomorrow. One question, I assume I turn the shift shaft left or right till is found? Thanks again

Re: 2006 60hp merc,dropped gearcase now stuck in forward gear

Thanks Merc850 ,will make sure she's grease well

Re: 2006 60hp merc,dropped gearcase now stuck in forward gear

Yes turn the shaft left or right until you get neutral.

Re: 2006 60hp merc,dropped gearcase now stuck in forward gear

Hi cr2k, Tried turning the shaft ,can get around 90 dergees left and right with my fingers but can't get a neutral to where prop is free. in turning drive shaft it's still engaged. To turn the shaft any more would require putting some pressure on it. eg: pliers and I'm not sure that's the way to go.To the dealer I guess? Thanks for your input.

Re: 2006 60hp merc,dropped gearcase now stuck in forward gear

I did the same on my 40HP. I just asked the dealer and they told me what is what. If the 60 is the same as the 40 for that year then the pin should easily move left & right with a set of pliers wrapped in cloth.....i dont remember using my hand to do it but I do remember not having to really force it with pliers.

From my service manual: page 6b-51
removal.....
put engine into forward gear.

installation....
#2 tilt engine and put on tilt lock
#3 shift the gear housing into neutral. Propeller shaft will rotate freely in either direction.
#.....do not lubricate top of driveshaft!!! Excess lubricant will not allow driveshaft to full engage crankshaft....it will load driveshaft....may damage power head and gearshaft.
#6 Shift gear housing into forward gear. The gear housing will not engage when the propeller shaft is turn clockwise.

then it goes on....again this is from a 30/40HP 2006 mercury.

I was told not to run the motor in gear in the barrel.....doing so = bad.

Re: 2006 60hp merc,dropped gearcase now stuck in forward gear

Thanks to all, got her back together.