Shift Shaft Retainer Removal 25 HP Merc

[JeffJ]

I am replacing my seals in my lower unit, and have bearing carrier and gears removed. I can't seem to figure out how the shift shaft retainer is released on the LU to remove the SS. It looks like a piece of plastic with a nipple on one end. The engine is a 2002 25 HP ELH, any assistance would be appreciated. SELOC manual seems to skip over this.

 

[Laddies]

Re: Shift Shaft Retainer Removal 25 HP Merc

Look under the carb on the port side and you will see the shift lever there is a screw or bolt remove it turn the pin and remove it

 

[JeffJ]

Re: Shift Shaft Retainer Removal 25 HP Merc

Thanks for the reply. I have the lower unit dropped, and the guts ripped out, as I am putting in a lower unit seal kit. I can't figure out how to remove the shift shaft from the Lower Unit assembly. The retainer is a plastic deal with a nipple extenending at one end. I kind of hate to force it if there is a special procedure.

 

[Laddies]

Re: Shift Shaft Retainer Removal 25 HP Merc

Why take the shaft out? can't you slide the bellows up and off the end of the shaft to replace it.

 

[JeffJ]

Re: Shift Shaft Retainer Removal 25 HP Merc

I did slide the boot off, but there are 2 O-rings under the retainer that are part of the seal kit that need replaced.

 

[Laddies]

Re: Shift Shaft Retainer Removal 25 HP Merc

OK!

 

[JeffJ]

Re: Shift Shaft Retainer Removal 25 HP Merc

I finally got my shift shaft retainer (bottom retainer on Lower Unit) removed to replace the seals. I did look for a "special tool" on the mercury parts express website and there did not appear to be any tool for my model and proceeded with a "primitive pete". It's basically a plug with a nipple. I used needle nose plyers on the nipple, and a paint can opener to get up under the other recessed end (with gentle pressure). It's a bear to grab it, because the whole plug is recessed in the case. I will probaly go buy another one, just because I don't want to take any chances that it was distorted upon removal. It's only around 5 dollars, I would watch a bug *** for 5 bucks.

Thanks

Jeff