Merc Classic 50 45hp Shift linkage

[WHALER27CC]

I am trying unsuccessfully to remove lower unit on my 1990 classic 50 45hp ....ALL the bolts have been removed, but I cant seem to find out WHERE I remove the shift linkage, so the unit will drop...Can anybody tell me SPECIFICALLY where it is on this engine???????

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: Merc Classic 50 45hp Shift linkage

If it's like my early 80's 50hp<br />My guess is that it is on a spline down near the waterpump housing. I think you need to do nothing. It will come out as you slide it off.<br />

 

[WHALER27CC]

Re: Merc Classic 50 45hp Shift linkage

Andy-<br />Thanks for the quick reply. I thought so too, but it seems as though EVERYBODY is saying my lower unit wont come down , unless I release the shift linkage.my manual says nothing about it.....The motor doesnt have an ounce of rust anywhere, so I am not so sure its rusted in, I KNOW I have gotten all the bolts...I just dont know what the prob is.......

 

[KeltonKrew]

Re: Merc Classic 50 45hp Shift linkage

I have a 1986 Merc 35 and I did not have to undo the shift linkage.<br /><br />I too couldn't get it off.....check every single bolt. I found 1 bolt that I didn't see at first.<br /><br />1 under the annode trim tab, 1 on each side and there is another one I think that is underneat.<br /><br />look, look, look

 

[WHALER27CC]

Re: Merc Classic 50 45hp Shift linkage

Kelton-<br />Yup I got ALL the bolts...1 on each side,one above the prop, and the one under the anode...I REALLY dont think its that I have missed any bolts...I am getting so aggravated!!<br />On a lighter note, I VERY much have enjoyed watching the restoration progress on the CW site. Great looking Whaler!!!<br />Peter

 

[WHALER27CC]

Re: Merc Classic 50 45hp Shift linkage

Well-<br />I just got off the phone with MERCURY MARINE directly in Wisc. They hhave confirmed with my serial # that this motor DOES NOT have any shift linkage that has to be removed....Looks like Ill be flipping the motor upsidedown this weekend to dump penetrating oil doing the lower unit , in hopes that it reaches the shaft splines and frees it up ...Any other Ideas????

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: Merc Classic 50 45hp Shift linkage

Your motor has a S/S drive shaft and if the water pump has been done over the last couple of seasons it shouldn't be ceased to the crankshaft.<br />Loosen all the bolts but dont remove them all, and get a soft wood block and a big hammer and belt the cav plate and all around the edges HARD, but be careful not to bend anything. It should drop to the loose bolts. Do a search on iboats for this very common subject and you will find that they all come off sooner or later.<br />BTW When replacing, don't put too much grease or neverseize on the splines as it can cause pre-load pressure.