1972 Mercury 402 lower unit off but stuck in forward

[twsmith54]

I replaced the impeller and when I got it back together I couldn't get it to shift to neutral. Admittedly, I kinda forced it a little. Anyway, I've taken the lower unit back off and have read every posting I can find about this. Here's where I'm at. With the lower unit off when I turn the drive shaft clockwise (looking from above) the propeller turns forward. The propeller clicks if I twist the propeller clockwise (looking at the propeller from behind). When I rotate the shift shaft I don't really feel much resistance and I don't get neutral or reverse. I do have the factory manual but still can't understand how it could be stuck in forward. What did I break? Your help is appreciated.

 

[flyingscott]

Put the motor shifter in forward and reassemble

 

[twsmith54]

Put the motor shifter in forward and reassemble

Thanks Flyingscott, I can't get the lower unit to shift out of forward while on the on the work bench I'm afraid of reattaching it before I get it working.

 

[flyingscott]

If you put the motor shifter in forward and the lower in forward really can't screw it up.

 

[racerone]

Some effort is required to turn the shift rod to get neutral.----There is a strong spring in there.----Use a vicegrip !

 

[twsmith54]

Some effort is required to turn the shift rod to get neutral.----There is a strong spring in there.----Use a vicegrip !

Thanks racerone. The shift rod moves freely with no resistance. 90 degrees freely. It like it's stuck in forward.when move the shift rod counter clockwise it moves with no effort pas the neutral location and reverse location. Any ideas?

 

[twsmith54]

Thanks racerone. The shift rod moves freely with no resistance. 90 degrees freely. It like it's stuck in forward.when move the shift rod counter clockwise it moves with no effort pas the neutral location and reverse location. Any ideas?

Nevermind, I just broke the darn housing trying to remove the propeller shaft and carrier. It FUBAR now. Ugh. Time to find a used lower unit. Not too happy with myself.

 

[jimmbo]

Basically the shift Shaft is rotating the Cam, which pushes the Cam Follower in, moving the Clutch Dog. When there is no/little contact between the 2, the unit is in forward. Looking at the Cam you can see it can be rotated a fair bit in the wrong direction(no shift action) with little/no contact.


Sorry to hear about the busted Housing. Just be careful with the replacement, as you will have to go through the same Process to get it installed