How to remove Shift Shaft for Mercury Mariner Outboard 1973 inline 6

[Dale18]

Hey Guys,

What the best way remove the shift shaft from the motor? Thanks, Dale

 

[merc850]

Are you talking about the upper shaft that goes from the lower cowl thru the swivel bracket? If so all you have to do is remove the powerhead with cowlings and move it out of the way then re/re the shaft. It would be a good idea to replace the gasket too. If you mean the one in the lower unit you remove the shift shaft bushing and pull out the shaft, but you might not be able to install the new one into the cam and have to pull the bearing carrier assembly out to do it.

 

[Dale18]

Thanks, I was talking about the one that shifts from forward to reverse. We found there was a pin in the attached Arm on top. Just trying to figure out the best was to remove and install rod.

 

[Chris1956]

The pin on the upper shift rod usually stays in place, as their is a coupling near the lower unit, that will slip out and allow the gearcase to be removed.

If you need to remove the upper shift rod, drop the gearcase and drive out the pin in the upper shift rod. However, I have never seen a need to do this.