merc shifter

[rbringo]

Just picked up an '86 merc 75 hp. I hooked up the shifter cables last night and it shifts very smoothly into reverse, but forward is a much different story. I tried some adjustments but nothing seemed to help. Any suggestions? Thanks everyone.

 

[12Footer]

Re: merc shifter

The engine should be running to be able to adjust the linkage.The reason for this is the driveshaft must throw one gear out,and the other in. You can sometimes "luck-out", and get to shift, but you really can't adjust the linkage properly.<br />Did you drain the lower unit?<br />If not, do so. Get an oil pan or 1lb coffee can,and remove the "vent" and "Fill" screws.<br />The lube should be translucent green, not milky or grey, which would indicate a bad seal.<br />Either way, run your finger thru the lube,and feel for chunks of metal. If you find any, the problem is the forward gear has been damaged.

 

[rbringo]

Re: merc shifter

Thanks 12. I worked on it in the water last night and it's shifting much better now. The only problem is that forward is reverse and visa-versa. The linkage in the motor moves forward (as it should) when I put the shifter in forward, but for some reason that makes the boat go in reverse. Did I screw something up when I put the lower unit on???<br />What else could cause this to be backwards?

 

[clanton]

Re: merc shifter

Not sure on the smaller merc, but when you install gearcase on big one Control handle in farward gear 1/2--3/4 throttle , shift gearcase into farward , put pressure counter clockwise on prop to hold gear case in farward gear, install gear case.

 

[rbringo]

Re: merc shifter

When I put the lower unit on, the controlls were not connected to the motor. The shifter linkage in the motor was in reverse then when I attached the lower unit. So I should remove the lower unit, put motor in forward, and then re-attach the lower unit?

 

[12Footer]

Re: merc shifter

You can switch the "pull" direction inside the control. A tad messy, but there is an arm opposite from the one the cable is in now. Just switch it over, and it'll be fine (he says with his fingers crossed).

 

[clanton]

Re: merc shifter

That depends, are you using correct control box? Disconnect cable at engine , move shift linkage on engine to farward, install gearcase with one bolt, should be able to shift with one finger, turn prop when shifting , shifts ok install rest of bolts. Install cables ,lever on engine should split any slack in shifter, install cable.

 

[rbringo]

Re: merc shifter

The shifter and cables are from a Merc 150 or 200 I was told. This may be part of the problem...