165 Mercruiser - HELP!

[biloxiriver]

Ya'll may recall my posting about installing a new water pump. Well we did that today and it is pumping water good and running cool. But we can't get it into gear, as a matter of fact we can't move the shifter to forward or reverse, and the drive appears to be in gear. Ok. What have we done wrong. Obviously we know the lower unit will have to be dropped again, but what is the trick to getting it back together right?? Help please!

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: 165 Mercruiser - HELP!

The shifter must be in fwd after you remove the drive.the drive must also be locked in fwd by holding the shift arm straight and turning the prop counter clockwise to lock.Check the manual,I always confuse whether it is clockwise or counter.I always keep the manual on hand.If you are dropping the lower only,you will need to turn the stud.Use the same prop locking principle.When you get it together,check the shifter before you tighten everything down good.Charlie

 

[biloxiriver]

Re: 165 Mercruiser - HELP!

We have a book , followed it step by step, never said anything about putting it in forward. Also, what shift arm?? Also, it was in neutral when we dropped it.

 

[daveswaves]

Re: 165 Mercruiser - HELP!

The lower end must be in forward for the shift dog to engage the shift pawl when you are re assembling. It will fall out of gear easily and you will have the problem you are experiencing. Loosen the bolts and back the drive off again, make sure dog and the pawl are lined up, check your manual. A trick I have used to hold the prop under tension when doing this is to tape the prop to the cavitation plate, wrap tape around while pulling tight. It will hold the lower unit in forward for you.