Motor not shifting

Joined
Apr 23, 2006
Messages
13
I just replaced the impeller on my 1986 50 hp merc 3cyl. The motor shifted fine prior to dropping the lower unit. Infact the whole lower unit went back together very smooth didn't think i had a problem. When i checked to see if i havd a tattle tale the prop was spinning as if it were in forward. I turned it off and when i spin the prop in netrual it makes a clicking sound and will only spin clockwise. same thing for forward and reverse. Did i not get something lined up right. It seems like the prop is spring loaded and with pop into place when i spin by hand along with the clicking.

Thanks for the help
 

jebeebe

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Nov 26, 2006
Messages
322
Re: Motor not shifting

You didn't get the shift rod and shaft aligned. Very common problem when cycleing the lower unit. You will have to pull it down again just enough to disconect the shift rod. Then with the control in neutral, Turn the shift shft in the lower unit to neutral (will spin free in both directions) and reinstall the lower unit. Just finger tighten one bolt to hold it and check out the shift. In forward.......It will click when turned cw and hold when turned ccw looking at the prop form behind the motor. In neutral of course it will spin free both directions. In reverse .......when turned ccw it will click, and when turned cw it will hold. If everything looks good , bolt her up.............Jerry
 
Joined
Apr 23, 2006
Messages
13
Re: Motor not shifting

Okay did this got it into neutral and got everything lined up i think but now it won't come out of neutral. does tis take a couple of tries to get this thing lined up. it just slid right back into place but won't changes gears. I can shift it back into forward by turning the shift shaft and it clicks and holds cannot get it to go to reverse but can get neutral.

Any more help? I'm stumped.

Thanks
 

jebeebe

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Nov 26, 2006
Messages
322
Re: Motor not shifting

Try turning the drive shaft while shifting to rev
 
Joined
Apr 23, 2006
Messages
13
Re: Motor not shifting

Got it all fixed thanks for the help just had to wiggle the shifter alitte to get it to fall into place. about a half hour job.

Thanks
 
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