Mercontrol put together backwards

[bullshoalsblues]

Recently purchased a used pontoon w/ a 50 hp Mercury (probably a 70's model). Runs fine and the mercontrol works fine except the previous owner put it together backwards: pushing forward puts it in reverse and pulling back puts it in forward gear. I was told by him that he did this during or after a water pump was put in. In any case, what is required to correct this? I've been told conflicting stories. Some say the lower unit has to be taken off and others say only the shifter box needs to be taken apart. Also I'd like a manual for this engine and mercontrol. Where can I get manuals for older equipment like this?

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: Mercontrol put together backwards

It's hard to say. I just had one where the lower unit was non original and had to be totally dissasembled beyond the gears to turn the shift cam back over to correct the issue. <br /><br />It should be possable for you to look under the cover at the throttle stop and see if the throttle is partially blocked in reverse and allowed to attain full throttle in forward gear as it should be. <br /><br />If that is correct then the cable is incorrectly attached within the control.

 

[alcan]

Re: Mercontrol put together backwards

Hi Bulls<br />It sounds to me like the control box may be ok. If they installed a new pump and didn't get the shift shaft splines indexed properly, you will want to drop the lower unit to remedy the problem. Once you have the motor shifting correctly with the cables disconnected, Then look at the box. You can order manuals from Iboats,a dealer,a marine store or the library.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Mercontrol put together backwards

If someone hasn't opened the control box, it should be okay. Sounds like he had the shift shaft in the wrong gear when he put the lower unit back on after doing the water pump. I just posted on how to pull the lower unit and replace an impeller on a 70's Merc 50 hp (a 4 cyl. 500). Search for New Impeller and New Impeller (blues) II. The last one has a diagram that shows the shift shaft. You have to drain the lower unit, but the lower unit is not hard to pull and put back once you know how to position that shaft for neutral. If you don't want to mess with it, take it to your boat guy and have him service the impeller and do it for you. Shouldn't cost much...if you don't want to mess with it. If you decide to do it, it can be done alone but having a helping hand is better.

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Mercontrol put together backwards

well, maybe a dumb observation -- but did the control box somehow get moved from, say, port to starboard without the cables being reversed? When you are facing the bow, are the cables coming out of the rear/stern side of the control box?<br /><br />yea, I know. But stranger things.....