Lower shift shaft question

[Fish Head]

I have a 1989 100hp Mercury O/B. What does the shift shaft do?<br />How would I know if it is damaged, can it be damaged by running aground. Hit a sand bar, the lower unit oil is not milky and seems to operate okay. I did notice that the shift shaft is not centered coming out of the hole above the lower unit and there is a portion of the splines visible about 1/4 of an inch above where it inserts into the lower gear case.<br />This maybe normal and I just never paid attention to it before.<br />Also, I noticed fine metal shavings on the oil drain plug when I inspected the gear case oil. Is it considered normal wear and tear to notice some metal shavings?<br />Thanks, John

 

[iRich]

Re: Lower shift shaft question

Hi John, you wouldn't damage the shift shaft and not know it, so it is probably normal. As far as metal shavings if smaller than a grain of sand you that can be considered normal. if bigger pieces you should be concerned. When was the last time the lower unit was serviced?<br /><br />Rich

 

[Fish Head]

Re: Lower shift shaft question

Dont know when last serviced. I changed the lower unit oil about 30 hours ago. What does a service include?