Mercury 60hp, 1989 won't go into gear - HELP!

Hank Bass

Cadet
Joined
Mar 20, 2011
Messages
20
I hadn't run my pontoon with a Merc 60HP for about 2.5 months and when I went to use it today it started just fine but would not go into gear, either forward or reverse.

The last time we used it it ran just fine and we ran it up onto the trailer with no problems at all. I looked around with the cowling off and it looks like the controls shift fine on the cable(s). There are 2 control cables, one for the gear shift and the other for the throttle. It looks like the shift cable slides just fine into forward and all the way back into reverse.

I can see that there is some type of a bracket on the shifter that goes and turns what I think is a vertical shifter post (or shaft) that then goes straight down the front of the motor to the lower unit and it seems to turn ok, can't really tell for sure.

What could have happened that it just won't shift anymore? Any suggestions more than welcome as I've never had any problems with this motor. NOTE: The prop turns whether the shifter is in neutral, forward or reverse.

Also: When motor is started but not in the water, and is shifted to forward, the prop turns just slightly, in reverse it spins just slightly in reverse. Hope this additional info helps

Thanks.

Hank Bass
Friendswood, Texas
 
Last edited:

Wingedwheel

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jun 16, 2009
Messages
1,071
Re: Mercury 60hp, 1989 won't go into gear - HELP!

Hank, you may have to drop the LU and see if it goes into gear by turning the lower shift shaft. If that works then your problem is between the controller and LU. I had a similer problem and it turned out to be a worn coupler between the upper and lower shift shaft.
 

Hank Bass

Cadet
Joined
Mar 20, 2011
Messages
20
Re: Mercury 60hp, 1989 won't go into gear - HELP!

Wingedwheel, thanks for the input on dropping the lower unit and checking out to see if it shifts. I just can't understand how it could have gone bad just sitting. In any case will drop the lower unit and see what's going on.

I love this site, it is the best when it comes to knowledge.

Hank Bass
 

Wingedwheel

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jun 16, 2009
Messages
1,071
Re: Mercury 60hp, 1989 won't go into gear - HELP!

Your welcome Hank, I've been in Michigan for 18 yrs, but originally from your area.
 
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