1985 Merc 50hp wont go in neutral/ reverse brown band

[jgus1985]

Hello all, i have a 1985 brown band merc 50hp 4 cyl i have recently mounted to my transom. i am unable to get the motor in neutral/reverse at the motor. i have connected the cables and was able to force the unit into reverse but ended up breaking a cable coupler off. the motor cranks and runs well no issues there. for note it has power trim so i am unsure if there is a reverse lock mechanism.the motor was stored for many years on a pallet without lower gear oil. as of now i have soaked the shift linkage with anti seize and have added gear oil and i am still unable to get motor to shift. do i need to drop the lower unit? any help would be appreciated. thank you in advance.

 

[Dallenx]

Re: 1985 Merc 50hp wont go in neutral/ reverse brown band

Look at where the lower unit mates to the middle section.
Are there two metal rods?
If so, one is the shift shaft and the other is the reverse lock.
Take the cover off and disconnect the shift cable from the engine.
Can you shift the motor? Note: some say that the engine should be running with shifting as it makes it easier on you and the gears.

 

[jgus1985]

Re: 1985 Merc 50hp wont go in neutral/ reverse brown band

thank you for your quick response, I only have one metal rod on the lower unit. I have already removed the cables and I cannot get it to shift. thank you

 

[Dallenx]

Re: 1985 Merc 50hp wont go in neutral/ reverse brown band

Can you turn the prop in any direction or does it free spin?
Does it click while turning.
It may be time to drop the LU.
There are some good posts about doing this and how the shift shaft / coupler / cam / etc. function but you'll have to do a search.

 

[jgus1985]

Re: 1985 Merc 50hp wont go in neutral/ reverse brown band

it will turn forward and clicks as it turns I am pretty certain it is in forward gear it will turn backwards for about a 1/4 turn with no noise.

 

[Dallenx]

Re: 1985 Merc 50hp wont go in neutral/ reverse brown band

After I took my LU off I had to realign the lower shift shaft (that goes into the lower unit) by using a pair of pliers on the shift shaft coupler.
It wouldn't move by hand.

 

[Dallenx]

Re: 1985 Merc 50hp wont go in neutral/ reverse brown band

Here's what worked for me.

http://forums.iboats.com/mercury-ma...0hp-3cyl-lower-unit-stuck-forward-616570.html