Shift shaft

[MICHAEL28]

I have been working on a 1987 searay this winter with a mercruiser outdrive, alpha gen1. I am now in the process of reassembling. I have replaced the gimbel ring and bearing and bellows and everything in between. I have never done this job before and it has been quite the learning experience. I have just reinstalled the bell housing and I noticed that the "shift lever" seems loose and I thought that I should probably replace the oil seal on this, should I replace the shift shaft as well it has some wear. Also what about the brass bushings, should these be replaced, do they just tap out? Also with my new trim limit/position kit it does not show the clear washers being installed under the sensor that came off of the old units, do these need to be there? thanks in advance.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Shift shaft

I have just reinstalled the bell housing and I noticed that the "shift lever" seems loose and I thought that I should probably replace the oil seal on this, should I replace the shift shaft as well it has some wear.

Are you referring to the shift shaft in the bell housing? I believe that is called the upper shift shaft. Here's a picture:

I would think if it shows wear / grooves, then you should replace it.

Also what about the brass bushings, should these be replaced, do they just tap out? thanks in advance.

Yes, they tap out. There is an updated version of the upper shift shaft bushing that I believe has a double seal.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Shift shaft

i just replaced my shift shaft in my 1 drive. bush's and seal. the shaft itself is pretty sloppy in the bushs. but if ya see wear, i'd replace it. there's also a new style seal available. here's a link to some info on the seal and the bush,seal driver......http://www.mercstuff.com/bellhousingstuff.htm
i think there's a merc. equivelant of that seal but don't know the number. also, i used a glm shift shaft that didn't fit, so ended up with a mercruiser shift shaft in the end. be forwarned, get the oem if ya can...

 

[MICHAEL28]

Re: Shift shaft

ziggy, you say that the shaft does fit sloppy in the bushing even when new? So maybe I just need the seal. Is the special tool required for the seal replacement only? Also is there a kit that contains all parts needed or do they all have to be purchased individually? I got burnt on this when I bought the bellows individually.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Shift shaft

ya get the driver seperate and the upgrade kit as it shows. the driver lets ya both remove + install the new parts. that is what i have in my drive as of now. the glm seal, new style + bush. if i had it to do over, i would use merc parts assuming their available.....

if yer shift shaft shows wear at the bushs or seal, i think i'd replace that too. i wish i could find what i think i read is about a .100" clearance on the bush. sorry i can't prove that statement though....