66 merc 650 lower unit

[nos1013]

After discovering more water than oil in the lower unit, I resealed it, and after reinstalling the lower unit, the prop will only turn forward (no reverse). Can anyone explain to me how to position the shift shaft in the proper way. Also, if anyone has any secrets for carb removal (distributor in the way of the nut), I'd really appreciate that, too!

 

[Laddies]

Re: 66 merc 650 lower unit

Drop the unit down turn the shift shaft till you are in reverse and put the engine in rev. and reinstall the unit (when the unit is in rev the prop will not turn clockwise)

 

[nos1013]

Re: 66 merc 650 lower unit

Ok, that's some help, but since reverse is tense against a spring, it's easier said than done! That, and I can't find my needle nose Vise Grips, so is there a way to set it in neutral? Right now, I'm wishing I would have "clocked" them during disassembly. I'm going outside to try again before dark. Thanks

 

[nos1013]

Re: 66 merc 650 lower unit

Update: Right now, the lower unit is hanging from the motor by a bungee cord by about 3/4 inch. it feels like if I could just turn the shaft another nth..., with the needle nose pliers, it would slip together. Any help right now would be great! Thanks!