lower unit stuck in forward 1982 90hp

[ac0515]

1982 Mercury 90 E-Z Shift<br /><br />PLEASE HELP!<br /><br />With the gear shift in nuetral, I dropped the lower unit to replace the impeller. Somehow the lower unit shifted into forward.<br /><br />I can't seem to shift it back into nuetral. I'm using a special tool on the shift shaft to turn it, but regardless of which way I turn it, it stays in forward gear.<br /><br />When I turn the shift shaft as far it it will go counter-clockwise it clicks into place, but when I go back clockwise, it won't find another detent. The shift shaft rotates about 100 degrees.<br /><br />Please help!

 

[jze1212]

Re: lower unit stuck in forward 1982 90hp

Did you ever solve this problem? I have the same EXACT problem now, replaced impeller, thought everything was good, now stuck in forward...

 

[ac0515]

Re: lower unit stuck in forward 1982 90hp

Wow, my only reply was in the form of a question! Well, I'm happy to help.<br /><br />Yes, I was able to solve the problem. I took the lower unit to the Mercury fix-it place and the very nice service manager took a pair of vice-lock pliers, grabbed tight, and proceeded to apply more torque than I was comfortable with. Click, click, click - nuetral, reverse and back to nuetral.<br /><br />He explained that the detents (I think that's the word) are stiffer than one might think, especially since a pair of pliers can't apply the same leverage the shifter would typically offer.<br /><br />Hope this helps and good luck!

 

[jze1212]

Re: lower unit stuck in forward 1982 90hp

I actually found this in another part of the forum also and it worked!! I dropped lower unit (again) then put shift lever in forward, turned the shift lever(on lower unit) all the way counter clockwise, which is forward, bolted lower unit back in place and WHAMMO! All fixed, valuable lesson learned!<br /><br />Take care!