Lower Unit Help, Mercury outboard 85hp

[NateAnderson]

I replaced a lower unit on a friends 1980's mercury 85 hp. The replacement was used and seems to be stuck in forward. When it is off it only spins clockwise and clicks. When I installed it, same story. The shifter moves freely but the prop stays in forward. Not very experienced so could use some advice.

 

[Chris1956]

Yes, it sounds like it is in forward. Turn the shift shaft on the gearcase CCW until it stops. Now use a small cresent wrench to turn the shift shaft a bit more CCW. If the gearcase is working, it will "click" into neutral.

 

[NateAnderson]

Thanks for the advice, I will try it out