Re: merc lower unit shifting arm
It moves right to left. Should be centered if its in FWD. When you put it back in rotate the prop. Sometimes they move when you are working on them. Rotate the prop and you should feel the shaft slide in. Here is a clip from Sterndrives.com.
The drive lower and upper shift shafts MUST be in forward position before mating!
Put the lower in forward gear by turn the shift shaft clockwise and locking the prop shaft in the reverse direction.
Once its in forward... don't bump it!
If you bump the prop, it will knock it out of forward!
Ok... you have the lower in forward... now place the upper shift shaft in forward as well.
The upper shift shaft must face fore and aft. That's forward!
Lower the upper driveshaft housing into place making sure to align the copper tube into the plastic guide tube.
Did you knock the thing out of forward? Check it!
Turn the u-joints so the splines line up and the upper will fall into place.
You must FIRST separate the housings just enough to get the side nuts on!
After both side nuts are installed, then instal the front nut, the two underneath,
the allen under the zinc and snug them all up.
It's a good idea to check your shifting before going any further.
In forward.... the brass shift rod will face fore and aft.