3.5mercury shift rod question

[1983ruston]

Can anybody here help me with steps to connect the shift rod on the lower end? I know I did the top replacement part needed and the shifter handle works at the top but must be disconnected somewhere in the lower housing. I looked everywhere but can't find a manual pdf for this. tia , John

 

[1983ruston]

Re: 3.5mercury shift rod question

Still no neutral, seems everything above is in order , now I think the shift rod has to somehow connect or insert futher beyond the bearing block (part #42 in the diagram) I definitely installed the replacement part #21 knowing it is positioned and functions at the top and it it inside the bearing block! Engine purrs first pull but still no neutral. Is it possible to connect it by pulling the gear box or is something inside the bearing block ? Either way, I'm likely to have to drain the gear oil again. Gerry, you think Mercury has a number I can call, don't believe I need a manual for this continued model.

 

[hotrod53]

Re: 3.5mercury shift rod question

I'm a little confused by your description, but I went thru all of this on my Merc 50.

As you shift up top, the shaft turns and is connected via splined shaft in the lower unit. Remember, that shaft can go on as many ways as there are splined on the shaft. Commonly people remove the lower unit, shift it into FWD, put your shifter into FWD, and put the lower unit back on. You do not need to drain the lower unit to do this. Be cautious that the gear around that shaft that actuates the reverse lock doesn't fall off or get changed in position. That gear locks down your motor when you shift into reverse, mess that up and the motor will climb up when you back up.

 

[1983ruston]

Re: 3.5mercury shift rod question

I'm a little confused by your description, but I went thru all of this on my Merc 50.

As you shift up top, the shaft turns and is connected via splined shaft in the lower unit. Remember, that shaft can go on as many ways as there are splined on the shaft. Commonly people remove the lower unit, shift it into FWD, put your shifter into FWD, and put the lower unit back on. You do not need to drain the lower unit to do this. Be cautious that the gear around that shaft that actuates the reverse lock doesn't fall off or get changed in position. That gear locks down your motor when you shift into reverse, mess that up and the motor will climb up when you back up.

The mercury 3.5 is 1983 and only has a neutral and forward control.. (no reverse) This is pretty basic procedure but after taking both the upper and lower assemble housing apart and reassembling a few times.. I have to guess the problem is somewhere the lower half moon slotted shifter rod passes inside the bearing block. True to say I should not have to drain off the newly changed gear oil. But should I need to take off the bearing block to understand how the lower shifter engages and disengages neutral and forward is the question? I'm going to see if I can contact Mercury on this one. I really do not want to take off the gear block where the the lower shifter rod is inserted unless I have to. But ty for trying to help