Mercruiser lower reinstall, small problem

[Zigblazer]

I have a 1990 Lund with 4.3L mercruiser alpha one gen 1. I just replaced the bellows. I took it apart last fall, to make sure it really was the bellows leaking, then put it off for the winter. I had no problems replacing the bellows itself with all the parts people said would be difficult. I had several problems involving the shift cable, it wouldn't come out, new one wouldn't go in, old cable got stuck inside, etc.

Long story short, I think I missed something, maybe just a washer, I think? My shift foot is lower than I think it should be. There is a gap between the foot and the slot it goes into. I guess here is where a picture would be worth a thousand words. What did I miss? I replaced the bellows, shift cable, gimbal bearing, and water pump.

 

[Fun Times]

Did you drop the lower gear housing to install a new water pump impeller by chance?

If yes, then you may be missing washer item number 50, https://www.mercruiserparts.com/bam/subassembly/30870/2203/90

BELL HOUSING

BELL HOUSING

www.mercruiserparts.com

 

[Zigblazer]

I did replace the impeller, just referred to it as the water pump above. I pulled everything apart to be sure it was the bellows leaking last fall. The lower unit was sitting on the floor under the boat for the last six months. The upper gearcase was sitting next to it. They only moved once or twice when snow melt ran across the floor and I had to clean it up. I don't remember pulling a washer off of the shift shaft, I laid all of the parts on the back of the boat and I didn't see it there when going back together. It is entirely possible it fell off and was swept away over the winter. I cleaned up the floor a bit yesterday and found two washers that could be the right size, that is why I was wondering if it might be missing something like a washer. That is all I could guess from the diagrams. I didn't see a washer on the shaft when I put it back together, but I wasn't looking for one.

Is there anything special about that washer? How would I know if I got the right one?

 

[Fun Times]

I did replace the impeller, just referred to it as the water pump above. I pulled everything apart to be sure it was the bellows leaking last fall. The lower unit was sitting on the floor under the boat for the last six months. The upper gearcase was sitting next to it. They only moved once or twice when snow melt ran across the floor and I had to clean it up. I don't remember pulling a washer off of the shift shaft, I laid all of the parts on the back of the boat and I didn't see it there when going back together. It is entirely possible it fell off and was swept away over the winter. I cleaned up the floor a bit yesterday and found two washers that could be the right size, that is why I was wondering if it might be missing something like a washer. That is all I could guess from the diagrams. I didn't see a washer on the shaft when I put it back together, but I wasn't looking for one.

Is there anything special about that washer? How would I know if I got the right one?

This washer gets lost more than it gets found even while doing it same day, perfect day... A whole winter with snow water, movement and sweeping? It doesn't stand a chance, lol.

The washer always seemed special sized to me personally but others say pretty much any washer will do...Your call but I'd get an OEM washer so 3rd time isn't a charm.

8M0042641

--WASHER, (.390 x 1.00 x .06), SHIFT SHAFT

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mercruiser shift shaft issue??????

i just got this 1982 sea sprite. has a mercruiser 120hp alpha 1 outdrive. here are some pics of what i am dealing with. if i pull up on the lower shaft it will shift but wont stay it drops back down. is there supposed to be so kinda spring or bushing or something to hold it up.?? any suggestions...

forums.iboats.com

 

[nola mike]

This washer gets lost more than it gets found even while doing it same day, perfect day... A whole winter with snow water, movement and sweeping? It doesn't stand a chance, lol.

The washer always seemed special sized to me personally but others say pretty much any washer will do...Your call but I'd get an OEM washer so 3rd time isn't a charm.

Yes, that washer is an escape artist. I've used any ol washer multiple times. Not a precision piece, just needs to lift up that shift shaft enough to engage the shoe. (I also may have used a zip tie for a time under the lip on the shaft as a temporary fix to raise it up)

 

[Bondo]

Is there anything special about that washer? How would I know if I got the right one?

Ayuh,...... It's stainless steel, fits the shift shaft, 'n is ever so slightly concaved/ convexed,.....

 

[Zigblazer]

Thank you very much. I'll measure the couple washers I found and see if one matches, if not I should still have time to order one before I want to get the boat in the water. I figured it was some simple problem, but have had too much go on this winter to remember squat.

 

[Zigblazer]

The washers I found didn't match the specs given so I ordered a new one. Got it yesterday, and it is identical to one from the floor. New one doesn't match the spec given either, go figure. Looks like it was just a missing washer. I'll be pretty busy the next couole weeks, but I'll try to sneak that in sometime soon.

Thank you for the help.

 

[Fun Times]

The washers I found didn't match the specs given so I ordered a new one. Got it yesterday, and it is identical to one from the floor. New one doesn't match the spec given either, go figure. Looks like it was just a missing washer. I'll be pretty busy the next couole weeks, but I'll try to sneak that in sometime soon.

Thank you for the help.

In the interim of possibility for curiosity sake, maybe post the size numbers you just bought and measured out.