Shift cable 67 100hp merc

[utfyrfytr]

Last fall I purchased a 67 100hp merc Tower of Power engine that would not go into reverse. This winter I removed the lower unit and could not find a reason for not shifting. I replace a worn shifting cam, reassembled the LU and it seems to work correctly. Because I didn't figure I would be able to save the LU I didn't pay attention to what gear it was in or the position of the shifting linkage on the power head. I wasn't sure how to reinstall the lower unit to the power head shift linkage so here is what I did. I placed the lower unit in forward and moved the linkage to what I think is forward (shift linkage pulled toward the front of engine), and reinstalled the lower unit to the power head. I then placed the shifting handle in the forward position and installed the shifting cable. My problem is I cannot shift the motor out of forward gear. The shift handle only moves about 1/3 of the normal travel and won't even come back to neutral, it had full travel forward to reverse before hooking the cable to the engine. Have I missed something? Is my thinking all wrong, do I need to put the lower unit and power head in a different gear or position? I'm hoping someone can point me in the right direction. Sorry for the long post and thanks to all.

 

[merc850]

This is how I do it in about 60 sec.: Turn the LU shift shaft by hand counter-clockwise until it
stops, then with Vise Grips tight on the bottom of the shaft turn it a
few more degrees CCW until it clicks into a stop, this
should be neutral - check by turning propshaft --
prop should spin freely.
Put control in N and go ahead and attach LU to driveshaft housing - some turning of the flywheel will help the DS splines align.
Do not shift into reverse unless you turn the prop at the same time.

 

[utfyrfytr]

Thanks merc, One other quick question do you know how much gear oil that lower unit will take? Thanks again!!

 

[merc850]

It might be a quart, I use Amsoil LU Marine lube and I bought a pump at my dealer that makes it really easy to fill. Remove the lower screw and the vent screw and pump from the bottom screw until the oil comes out of the top screw. Put new gaskets on the screws put the top screw in then remove the tube and put in the lower screw. Put grease on the driveshaft and shiftshaft splines and instal LU.

 

[utfyrfytr]

Thanks again, now another problem. I removed the reverse lock cam from the shift shaft. How do I place it back in the correct position? It doesn't seem correct in the current position. the lock rod that goes to the motor to keep it from lifting in reverse is hitting on the flat portion of the cam and I don't want to tighten it up if it is not in the correct position. Thanks again you have been a great of information.

 

[merc850]

This is from the 1965 manual

The 1965 and newer manual is a must for keeping these old motors going.