My oops! for today.....

[inthedirtagain]

Working on my 1969 Merc 1000 and adjusting shift cables today. I accidentally dropped a nut down below the shift cable and can't find it. My guess is that it is lodged between the powerhead and the casing of the upper drive. Are there any moving parts down there or am I looking at tearing everything apart to get to the lost nut? Here's a pic: its down there somewhere!

 

[achris]

There are no moving parts, but you should try to get is out. Probably be able to find it by just removing the lower cowl. It's held in by 4 smallish self tapping screws.

 

[Bayou Dave]

Try using a magnet to find the nut. I use one similar to this:
http://www.amazon.com/Mechanics-Best-Friend-Telescoping-Attraction/dp/B004I2O34A

 

[inthedirtagain]

It would need to be a VERY flexible magnet. I fired it up today and ran through the gears....so far, so good.

 

[racerone]

That lost nut will do no damage whatsoever.--Do not loose any sleep over it !

 

[inthedirtagain]

So looking under the powerhead, I see 4 screw heads. Are those to which you are referring?

 

[achris]

Yep.

 

[inthedirtagain]

Removed! Thanks for all the input. Didn't realize there was a lower cowling that was removable. I love this forum!