Merc 115 installation, stuck in forward gear

[Alannuts]

I'm putting a mid 70's 115 HP merc on my boat. Previously had a 1977 85 HP merc. Did not change controls.

I put a new water pump in the Lower Unit. Before disassembly I put the shifter in forward, and took it out. Upon reinstallation, I kept the shift rod in the same position and was able to reinstall without too much alignment trouble.

Test started everything, but find that I have only forward gear at all times. The shifing rod inside the cowling goes to the back when in neutral or reverse, and only advances to the middle of the travel when placed in forward. However in all positions noted, the prop is in forward gear.

Did I screw up the shift rod rotation at reinstallation?

Alan

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Merc 115 installation, stuck in forward gear

Yes, you misaligned the upper and lower shift rod. Remove the gearcase and turn the lower shift rod CCW until you find neutral. Set control to neutral and reassemble.

 

[Alannuts]

Re: Merc 115 installation, stuck in forward gear

Yes, you misaligned the upper and lower shift rod. Remove the gearcase and turn the lower shift rod CCW until you find neutral. Set control to neutral and reassemble.

Thanks...I've tried it several times using the forward position on both controls and LU, so I will try again with the Neutral position and see if that works better.

One suspicion I have is that since this motor and this boat (controls) have never been together before this installation, there could be some adjustment issues with the control cables etc.

AW