1979 Merc 20Hp Shifting Backwards

[wsaari]

Hello All<br /><br />Looking for some advice. A local dealer has a good deal on a 1979 20HP Merc hand shift.<br />The motor shifts backwards, ie. when the shift lever on the motor is pulled<br />forwards the prop spins in reverse and vice versa. The salesman is trying to<br />tell me that it's because they installed a newer bottom end on the motor. Is this possible? I didn't think the shift mechanisms changed a whole lot over the years. Or did a mechanic<br />install a gear set backwards and they're just too lazy to change it?<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: 1979 Merc 20Hp Shifting Backwards

If the shift cam is installed upside down it will exibit that problem. The shift cam is located beyond all the other parts inside the lower unit's gearcase.

 

[wsaari]

Re: 1979 Merc 20Hp Shifting Backwards

Thanks Yepblaze. So other than the inconvenience of having to remember that things are backwards, can it cause any damage to run it this way? (other than if I forget and run it aground, of course ;-)