1973 Mercury 650 stuck in forward.

[tundraguy]

I was replacing the impeller and while the changing the lower unit oil, my neighbor's kid was rotating something on the lower unit. I assume it is what pushed the transmission into and out of gear. I went and put the boat in the water and it was stuck in forward. I could not shift into neutral or reverse. I have taken the lower unit off again but I really don't know what he rotated or where to start. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for the help, I really appreciate it.

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: 1973 Mercury 650 stuck in forward.

Try tightening the shift rod lever, turn it like tightening a bolt,clockwise, hopefully they just turned it out of adjustment.
The first thing to check is that it hasnt come loose from the selector below, that what turning it will check it should firm up.

 

[tundraguy]

Re: 1973 Mercury 650 stuck in forward.

Is the shift rod lever in the motor?

I appreciate the quick response.

Try tightening the shift rod lever, turn it like tightening a bolt,clockwise, hopefully they just turned it out of adjustment.
The first thing to check is that it hasnt come loose from the selector below, that what turning it will check it should firm up.

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: 1973 Mercury 650 stuck in forward.

Its the metal shaft thats small that is at the front of the gearcase that sticks up.

I need to go to work soon but someone else will chip in.

Its part #100/101
http://www.marineengine.com/parts/j...65373R&manufacturer=Evinrude&section=Gearcase

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: 1973 Mercury 650 stuck in forward.

You can also try checking it can change gear by turning the driveshaft clockwise and then pushing/pulling the shift shaft to see if its selecting gear