MFS6C Can I put a side shift lever on this motor?

[tinker_er]

I just got my new SailPro 20" motor, and I am mounting it on the old motor bracket on my old boat. It turns out, that when the motor tips up (say I hit something, or pull it up for shallow water operation) The shift lever hits the transom, and shifts the motor into neutral or reverse. I have been looking at the MFS6C and MFS6B parts catalogs, and it looks like I might be able to get a side shift lever for the MFS6B and install it on my MFS6C.

Any ideas?

Will this void my warranty?

Doug

 

[pvanv]

Re: MFS6C Can I put a side shift lever on this motor?

It could be done. The driveshaft housings are the same between the C and B models. There would be several sundry parts to remove and install. Basically, you just go back to the old shift handle, and delete the front shifter and linkage; you would have to pop the power head off to access the shift shaft in the driveshaft housing. I would expect that if the work was done as per a factory setup, your warranty would still be OK.

But... If you are running an old bracket, that was designed for a lighter, 2-stroke motor (typically has a single articulating arm in the center, as opposed to the newer 4-stroke models, which have dual arms -- one on each side), odds are the bracket won't hold up well. If that's the case, a newer-style bracket may be a better choice, and may have some additional set-back to help clear the front shifter, which is desirable, as it's easier to reach. When mounting any bracket, be sure to take into account clearances to the transom, and add appropriate blocking as needed.

 

[MattFL]

Re: MFS6C Can I put a side shift lever on this motor?

From memory, the side of my 2013 model 6hp (don't have model handy) looks like the linkage parts should pop right off and a shift lever would bolt right up. As if the front shift lever were an add on. I think it even has threads for a bolt. I will try to remember to take a pic tonight.

 

[tinker_er]

Re: MFS6C Can I put a side shift lever on this motor?

Thanks Paul and Mat, for your input.

I am sure I have the latest bracket. It is a brand new 2013 model.

Yes, the "shift lever shaft assembly" on the MFS6C is threaded for the "shift lever (remote control)".

Doug

 

[MattFL]

Re: MFS6C Can I put a side shift lever on this motor?

Here is a picture of the shift shaft sticking out the side of a 2013 6HP. The bar that goes up into the motor actually connects to the front shift lever. It looks like this was originally designed for a side shift lever and the front shift lever was an addition to the existing design. My guess is a side shift lever will bolt right up with no other parts required.

 

[pvanv]

Re: MFS6C Can I put a side shift lever on this motor?

Correct. The front shifter is a revised design, and uses the original driveshaft housing. One would pop the power head off, and then replace the current shifter parts with the old-style parts. The starter lock, etc., will still work correctly.

 

[MattFL]

Re: MFS6C Can I put a side shift lever on this motor?

Is there not a side handle that will bolt right up to the existing shifter shaft? It appears to be designed for a handle to be bolted on.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: MFS6C Can I put a side shift lever on this motor?

The lower motor cover does not allow for the side handle so it's not cost effective to do this.

 

[MattFL]

Re: MFS6C Can I put a side shift lever on this motor?

Ahhh ok so the handle bolts right up but will hit the lower cover? Maybe It is more cost effective for someone handy to make a new handle that clears the cover.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: MFS6C Can I put a side shift lever on this motor?

There is no provision on the lower motor cover for a handle. IE No blank where the handle would go. When the C model came out it was a pretty big update to the engine design.

 

[tinker_er]

Re: MFS6C Can I put a side shift lever on this motor?

Elvin,
Thanks for that bit of information. I almost ordered it.

There is a lever that is part of the remote kit: 3GR-66129-0 called "shift lever (remote control). It isn't very pretty, but I am sure it would work, and being metal would probably be tougher than the original. It looks like it screws on with a 6 mm screw. It is on page 50 (57) of the parts catalog. Is there any trick to ordering a part of a kit?

Doug

 

[pvanv]

Re: MFS6C Can I put a side shift lever on this motor?

Doug,

Very good point that Elvin brought up -- clearance to the side of the cowl. I was under the [mistaken] impression that the older handle would clear the cowl.

The part you're referring to is 3GR661290M SHIFT LEVER (REMOTE CONTROL), $99.61.
It attaches with 3V1601080M BOLT, 6-16 PRE-COATED. $1.16

Perhaps you could vinyl-coat the end of the handle, or attach a nice piece of teak where the shifter clevis normally goes for better comfort.

 

[tinker_er]

Re: MFS6C Can I put a side shift lever on this motor?

Ninety nine dollars! Wow! How much is the whole remote kit? I am sure I can fabricate a substitute in my garage out of stuff that is laying around.

If I can take the risk of hijacking my own thread, What exactly does "pre-coated" mean? I have an old Mercedes, and I notice that the steel bolts, while not stainless, never rust. Is this the same technology?

Doug

"To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk." Thomas Edison
"You can make anything with a file and a Saturday." Doug

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: MFS6C Can I put a side shift lever on this motor?

Pre-coated means coated with a material that prevents it from rusting. A control box, control cables and the SRC kit would run around $450.00.

 

[pvanv]

Re: MFS6C Can I put a side shift lever on this motor?

The whole 3GR838800M SRC PARTS KIT-FS4/5/6C, $295.00... but that includes a lot of stuff you won't need for just the shifter.

 

[pmajer]

I know this is an old thread... but was wondering if anyone had experience with the front shifter linkage bar coming undone from the brass fitting that seems to connect to the bar that goes up into the motor. Pulling out the front lever and bar, I don't seem to see pins holes or anything where it would connect. I suppose I could pull the motor out of the well to get a better look but wanted to quickly check-in to see if there was a simple and fast way to make this repair.

Fortunately winds were good enough to get back to the dock without power but it was disheartening to be out of neutral and unable to start the motor. Thanks in advance for any assistance anyone may provide.

 

[pmajer]

I know this is an old thread... but was wondering if anyone had experience with the front shifter linkage bar coming undone from the brass fitting that seems to connect to the bar that goes up into the motor. Pulling out the front lever and bar, I don't seem to see pins holes or anything where it would connect. I suppose I could pull the motor out of the well to get a better look but wanted to quickly check-in to see if there was a simple and fast way to make this repair.

Fortunately winds were good enough to get back to the dock without power but it was disheartening to be out of neutral and unable to start the motor. Thanks in advance for any assistance anyone may provide.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

There is a plastic retainer that keeps the thing together....If you don't see it that's the problem.

 

[pmajer]

Thanks Tohatsu Guru. There is definitely no retainer there. Is there a specific part number or some generic clip that would work? Thanks again!

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

3EF653070M. But I would run by your local Nissan/Tohatsu/Evinrude/Mercury dealer and look at a parts book to make sure it is missing.