1998 115hp mariner lower unit gear shaft linkage.

[fish113]

I just replaced my water pump impeller on a 115 hp 1998 Mariner. When reconnecting the lower unit, the gear shift linkage seemed to pop through a plastic cover plate that apparently held the shaft in place (kept from wobbling. Now water can enter freely though this hole and into the lower unit area where the shift linkage and water pump housing . This seems to be a cover plate of some kind but I can't find it online anywhere. Does anyone know if this can be replaced, and is it a problem that water enters this area? I think this would be where exhaust normally exist.

 

[Texasmark]

Back in the days before Merc got the infinite wisdom to contain the three things you need to line up to reengage the LU, there was nothing there and the shift shaft just flopped in the breeze, that's to say in the water cooled engine exhaust.

 

[fish113]

So Texasmark, if I submerge the motor now as is, water will flood that area. Is that a problem?

 

[Texasmark]

Nope. That's what happens when you back your boat into the water and it stays that way until you later pull the boat back out.