Mercury Reverse Lock Cam

[stcuk]

Hi can anyone help, I have a 1973 Mercury 200 20hp Outboard. Unfortunately I need to replace the small plastic reverse lock cam that fits on the bottom of the shift shaft. I have the replacement part, but am slightly stuck on how I get to the old one to replace it.. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Steve

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Mercury Reverse Lock Cam

Not familiar with your particular motor but believe they are pretty much the same in that vintage. I have a 1971 Merc 800.

The cam in question is located on the end of the upper shift shaft at the base the midsection of the motor. You will need to remove the lower unit (LU) to gain access to it. Once the LU is off, the cam will be either resting on top of the shift shaft bushing in the LU or retained in the cavity at the base of the midsection where the shift shaft passes through. Just grab hold and pull it out. The cam also holds the upper shift shaft in position so that it "self aligns" with the lower shift shaft when assembling the LU to the midsection.

Pay attention to the orientation of the original before removing it to be sure you put the replacement back in the right way.

If the cam is in question, you may have problems with the reverse lock rod itself that acts on the cam. I have seen the ends of those rods badly worn and basically become non-operable because they are effectively too short.

 

[stcuk]

Re: Mercury Reverse Lock Cam

Thanks for your help. Steve

 

[stcuk]

Re: Mercury Reverse Lock Cam

Sorry, meant ask how hard is it to remove the lower unit? This is my first engine, so im just learning.. Im fine with cars and motorcycles... Thanks again Steve