How to manually shift My mercury 60 hp

[cattmann]

Hi I am in the middle of installing an impeller kit on my 2005 60 hp Mercury outboard.My question is ,why can't I put the gear box in neutral or reverse on the work bench? There is a splined rod sticking out of the gear box next to the water pump cover and it will turn about half a revolution in either direction but doesn't do anything.It worked fine with the engine running last fall.I installed kits in both of my honda 4 strokes last spring and I had no issues shifting them through the gears on the work bench.Its my first Mercury out board.Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[merc850]

Look at the instructions at the top of the first page of this forum. It should still apply to the newer models.

 

[cattmann]

Thanks Merc 850.I just finished reading your instructions and went out to the garage to try it .It worked fine Thanks very much.When the engine is actually running will it shift into reverse without any issues?

 

[merc850]

You can test it by turning the prop while gently shifting into reverse.