mercruiser shift shaft issue??????

[joe47348]

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 on what i can do to fix it and how? thanks

 

[JustJason]

Re: mercruiser shift shaft issue??????

There is a washer that sits on top of the shift shaft bushing inside of the lower unit. You need to drain the drive, split it, put the washer in place, and re-install the lower and fill it back up.

May not hurt to pull that shift lever out once you have the drive apart to make sure it's not bent too.

 

[joe47348]

Re: mercruiser shift shaft issue??????

ok so the lower shaft is the shift shaft? or both. i dont have a manual on this boat. you talking about just the lower part of the outdrive to split? so i wasnt wrong with the idea of thinking there is suppossed to be something in there to hold that lower shaft up into the upper one

 

[JustJason]

Re: mercruiser shift shaft issue??????

i dont have a manual on this boat

You will now my friend...

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?p=1693398#post 1693398

Follow that link and download your manual. I believe you need SM 3.

The 2 halves need to be split. Wether you take the drive off the boat, split it and reassemble, Or drop the lower where it sits is up to you. There's +'s and -'s to doing it either way.

No you are not wrong, there is supposed to be a washer which would lift that shift lever to the correct height. (but also double check once you have it apart that yours is not bent)

 

[joe47348]

Re: mercruiser shift shaft issue??????

ok just tore it all apart this is what i see. am i missing parts? cause it looks like it to me.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: mercruiser shift shaft issue??????

ok just tore it all apart this is what i see. am i missing parts? cause it looks like it to me.

Pretty dark! Top looks OK, don't see washer on bottom. There should be a washer #52 here: http://www.mercruiserparts.com/Show...&bnbr=110&bdesc=GEAR+HOUSING(DRIVESHAFT)+-+MR on the lower (splined) shift shaft that the intermediate shift shaft sits on. They can fall off rather easily if you turn the drive over. If missing, Your intermediate shaft drops down exactly like yours is doing. If the washer is there, but bent or dished, can cause same problem.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: mercruiser shift shaft issue??????

Yep..Stony is right..
I had to track mine down when reassembling my OD..It was in the driveway under my truck..lol

 

[joe47348]

Re: mercruiser shift shaft issue??????

yes i dont see any metal washer on lower. the oil seal and then rubber washer is there but no metel one. can i get a washer from local hardware or should i just go to a boat shop and see if they can get one? here is a better pic of what i am lookin at.

 

[joe47348]

Re: mercruiser shift shaft issue??????

lol i have searched for the washer everywere i cant find one. i think it was missing before i took it apart. plus it seems to me like there are metal pieces laying around the shaft in ;lower

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: mercruiser shift shaft issue??????

any SS flat washer will do .

 

[stonyloam]

Re: mercruiser shift shaft issue??????

I don't think it is anything special it is most likely stainless steel the description is: WASHER, (.390 x 1.00 x .06) List price is 74 cents from Mercruiser, so can't be that special

 

[joe47348]

Re: mercruiser shift shaft issue??????

true i thanks everyone that has helped me with this. you guys are awsome! thanks again

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: mercruiser shift shaft issue??????

I don't think it is anything special it is most likely stainless steel the description is: WASHER, (.390 x 1.00 x .06) List price is 74 cents from Mercruiser, so can't be that special

other than they got em from overseas for 2.5 cents each!

 

[needle]

Re: mercruiser shift shaft issue??????

I have a 1991 Wellcraft with a Mercruiser drive that I now have this same issue with after removing the lower unit to have it repaired. Would it have the same fix?

 

[sptjet90Reflexx]

Re: mercruiser shift shaft issue??????

its just a spacer.. Get a washer that fits smoothly around the shaft. problem solved.

 

[needle]

Re: mercruiser shift shaft issue??????

New washer and it works like a charm again - Thanks!!!!!!