1963 Mercury 850 Reverse Gear

[higenius]

1963 Mercury 850 (85hp) Reverse Gear<br /><br />Yesterday I was trying to locate new gears. I still probably need a new reverse gear, but I want to try adjusting the shifter before I yank the lower unit apart.<br /><br />My symptom is that when I'm in reverse the prop spins, but it rattles and has no power. It won't even pull the boat off the trailer. Is it possible that the shifter is either going too far or not far enough? Forward gear seems fine and neutral seems to be in the right position.<br /><br />Any suggestions?

 

[12Footer]

Re: 1963 Mercury 850 Reverse Gear

Sounds like the hub has spun-out in the prop.The hub has a rubber donut in it, that acts like ' the weakest link'. It is designeed to take the brunt of an impact,or overloading the engine by repeated 'hole-shots'. It cost between 30-60dollars to hve a new hub pressed into the prop.

 

[higenius]

Re: 1963 Mercury 850 Reverse Gear

What does that mean?

 

[12Footer]

Re: 1963 Mercury 850 Reverse Gear

I kinda figured I left something unexplained...re-edited the reply.

 

[higenius]

Re: 1963 Mercury 850 Reverse Gear

Thanks, Can I visually check that if I take off the prop? Would my forward gear still work?

 

[12Footer]

Re: 1963 Mercury 850 Reverse Gear

Yes, I would advise removing the prop.That way, you can inspect the shear pin too (if so equipped). Mine has both spline teeth and a shear pin. The older models may not have a rubber hub in the prop, and just a shear pin.But when you undo the prop nut,and three short pieces of a pin come out, as opposed to one long one, it's the shear pin.<br />Whenm they shear, the pieces will act like a ratchet sometimes, allowing it to drive the prop in reverse only,but making lots of racket.<br />1963, I'm not sure about the rubber hub. But for sure, shear pin.

 

[higenius]

Re: 1963 Mercury 850 Reverse Gear

I'll check tonight. If that is it I will be very happy. That will be much cheaper than new gears.<br /><br />Thanks again.