1998 25 hp will only shift forward and neutral after shift shaft redone

[whitey1967]

I replaced the parts on my shift shaft while redoing my impeller now that I put things back together it appears that I can't shift into reverse only forward and neutral. In forward when I spin the prop by hand clockwise I get a clicking sound. In neutral I get no sound and I am unable to get the tiller handle to shift into reverse.
My guess is that the shift shaft is not seated properly in the lower unit. The ramp on the cam is facing the prop.
Any help at all would be greatly appreciated.
thanks,

 

[achris]

Re: 1998 25 hp will only shift forward and neutral after shift shaft redone

Do you have the proper service manual? Not those poxy after-market pieces of rubbish... Download the Merc manual HERE, the file password is <ribforum>.

Sounds like you may have got the cam follower and spring setup wrong....

Chris.......

 

[Adam Shickley]

Re: 1998 25 hp will only shift forward and neutral after shift shaft redone

The lower unit must be indexed for neutral and so must the shift controls on the boat. I just replaced my lower unit, and was told to ensure that I did not play with the shift controls on my lower unit or it would not shift into the proper gears. The manual will tell you how to index this part on your lower unit. Hope this helps some.