merc 1400 L6 shift rod alignment

[rustyscrew]

I replaced the water pump on a 1978 merc 1400 outboard. When I put the lower unit back on, I couldn't get the transom lock latch that is actuated by the shift rod to work properly. I am talking about the latch that grabs the tilt pin when you shift in reverse. I removed the unit a bunch of times and tried different positions to solve the problem. I finally got it so that it was locked in reverse AND neutral which was inconvenient but worked. Weeks later I couldn't switch into reverse which I figured out was because the latch was hitting the tilt pin instead of latching onto it and that interupted the shifting. So I have been running it by lowering the unit and then wiggling the pin in. It works, but it is extremely inconvenient.

I now have some time to fix this problem. Any tips on how to line up the shift shaft connection when reinstalling the lower unit? I believe I have the Cam-shift but not sure if it is I or II.

Any thoughts? Thanks.

jared

 

[Chris1956]

Re: merc 1400 L6 shift rod alignment

Jared, The latch is supposed to lock the motor down in neutral and reverse. It only is unlatched in forward. It therefore sounds like you have misadusted it.:$

The best way to line up the shift rods is to put both into neutral. The LU will click into and stay in neutral. The control should do the same. Make sure the plastic shift rod guide stays in the upper part of the motor, or it will be tough to get theshift rod to line up.

 

[rustyscrew]

Re: merc 1400 L6 shift rod alignment

thanks...next time I take it apart, I will look for that guide shift shaft guide. Maybe it fell out and I didn't notice. We tried all possibilities starting with the neutral-neutral. If I piece is missing, that might explain it! At least I hope so!

thanks,
jared