MerControl Help Please

[MyName]

I opened the 1978 MerControl box in neutral to repair wires & switch but cannot reassemble the two halves since I inadvertently moved the handle to forward which pushed the Shift Lever (Cam?) & Cable putting the the engine in forward gear. Now with that steel Lever having two open positions, I cannot move the handle to pull the shift cable & Lever to get it back to Neutral reassembly. I did manage to close the two halves and try it that way but no good. I disconnected the shift cable to try & pull on it to get the engine back onto Neutral but it's too hard. Can you please advise?

Regards
Steve

 

[Chris1956]

You should be able to reassemble no matter where the shift and throttle cables are set. Simply move the throttle arm until the "knobs" fit into the groove on the wheel shaped casting. Disconnect the cables at the engine if necessary. Watch out not to lose the small cylinder that helps hold the control in neutral.

 

[merc850]

Grease it well before assembly.

 

[MyName]

Thanks for the replies. I finally took the old beast to my friend with 30+ years Mercury Marine Mechanic experience who agreed that if its opened in Neutral with cables connected, it goes back that way. However, when he opened it up, he took one look and said, "Here's the problem. You put the Face Cam back (Upside Down). You're not the only one thats done that. Take your own pictures with your phone camera as you do things and don't rely just on those work bench and garage or driveway videos. Now go fishin' and call me before you start fixin' stuff; especially what ain't broke yet.