my 1964 merc 650 is stuck in gear

[wagdad75]

i recently purchased a 1964 mercury 650. i noticed that the motor is stuck in gear.(prop and shaft spin ccw together and click when prop is spun cw). I took the lower unit apart to replace the water pump and figured the problem would be obvious, but it is not!even with the lower unit off i can not manually get it into neutral. should the main splined shaft slide out to change the impeller? it is solid at this point. hope someone can help!!!!!!! don't want to do anything else til this is resolved.

 

[bucchb]

Re: my 1964 merc 650 is stuck in gear

I assume it runs, if not defeat the neutral start switch. Learn to live with it this summer, and enjoy it. Get an 8' pole for manuevering into a docks or on launching.

I hear that removing the dog carraige is tricky. Most times they break even when pros try to remove from an older motor as the tolerances are so tight. You will probably need the shift do and a gear or 2.

This winter find a good mechanic (you will need him for other things that come up with this motor) and have him rebuld your lower unit when he has spare time. He should cut you a break on the cost.

I have a 1979 that won't go into reverse, thats what I am planning to do.

 

[wagdad75]

Re: my 1964 merc 650 is stuck in gear

not sure if it runs or not!!i bought a 1964 16' mariner with this outboard for $200 trailer and all. bought it as a project for the winter but couldn't wait to tear into it! I am an automotive mechanic and am hoping i can figure it out as soon as my service manual is here. what do you mean by dog carriage?