need help installing lower unit

[tonypalpac]

I just finished installing a new impeller kit and installed the lower unit back into place. problem is, when i started the motor(in neutral), the prop is spinning. I figured that I don't have the shift properly aligned, but I'm not sure how to do this. the manual is kinda blurry to me in this aspect. If anyone can help, i'ld greatly appreciate it. this is on a 65 hp mercury outboard. Thanks alot.

 

[stevied]

Re: need help installing lower unit

TDP<br />WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING CHECK TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU GET ALL GEARS, AND THAT IN NEUTRAL THAT THE CLUTCHES ARE NOT HITTING. IF THE SHIFT IS OFF REMOVE LOWER UNIT AND SHIFT UNIT AND CONTROL BOX BOTH INTO NEUTRAL.TURN THE FLYWHEEL TO ALIGN YOUR SPLINES WHEN REINSTALLING.

 

[tonypalpac]

Re: need help installing lower unit

thanks for the help...i did a gear test as instructed in the manual(with the engine off, i put the shift in foward, neutral, and reverse to check which way the propeller would spin, in all cases in was free to move clockwise and not counter. so i figured its all off. at this point i'm really not sure how to realign. but i'll keep workin on it. thanks again

 

[stevied]

Re: need help installing lower unit

TDP<br />YOU SHOULD PULL THE LOWER BACK OFF AND TEST THE SHIFT. IT IS EASY TO MISALIGN THE SHIFT SHAFT THAT IT WILL NOT TURN THE LOWER.IF THE SHIFT WAS GOOD BEFORE YOU STARTED THE JOB, THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE INSTALL. IT HAPPENS TO ALL OF US.GOOD LUCK.

 

[tonypalpac]

Re: need help installing lower unit

thanks again. before i take it to a professional, i'ld like to try shifting the lower unit into foward and then install. can anyone tell me how to get the lower unit in forward before installing?(65hp mercury, early 80's). Thanks

 

[stevied]

Re: need help installing lower unit

IF YOU HAVE THE UNIT OFF AND ALL IS GOOD THEN INSTALL IT WITH THE CONTROL BOX AND THE LOWER UNIT IN NEUTRAL.TURN THE FLYWHEEL TO ALIGN THE SPLINES.THIS MAKES IT EASIER TO GET THE SHIFT CORRECT.DONT GO BY THE BOOK AND INSTALL IN FOWARD.I HAVE BEEN A CERTIFIED TECH FOR MERC OUTBOARDS FOR 10 YEARS.I KNOW THIS METHOD WORKS AND IS MUCH EASIER.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: need help installing lower unit

Stevied is right on track here. You can shift your lower unit by hand when it is down (off) by turning the shift shaft with a pliers. When in F the prop goes clockwise and makes a ratcheting sound counterclockwise. When in R, the opposite is true. When in N, it freewheels either direction. Problem with mine is, it won't stay in N for long when I'm trying to line it up and jab it back on...keeps slipping out of N. So...I do what my merc mech recommends, which (sorry Stevied) is to put the shift in F before dropping the lower unit. Keep trying TDP, just takes a little practice...we all go through it first or second time out.

 

[c-ya]

Re: need help installing lower unit

When I dropped my lower unit the shift rod had to be in reverse...When I installed it the shift rod<br />popped into nuetral..so when I connected the linkage<br />and checked it the boat would not go into reverse.<br />You can try making sure the unit is in reverse before installing it..then make sure the shifter<br />is in reverse also...worked for me..

 

[tonypalpac]

Re: need help installing lower unit

you guys are great, thanks alot. gotta go to work now but will give it a shot tomorrow morning.

 

[firefighter5406]

1971 65hp mercury lower unit install

1971 65hp mercury lower unit install

Hi guys! I have been fighting the lower unit to get it installed correctly. I've read everything on this site to help me line up FNR but I still can't get it. And I had lowered the lower unit so I could adjust the shift pin with pliers, like I'd been doing for the past two days, and I pulled up on the pin with the pliers about an inch and now the pin just spins. I don't know what I did? Did I pull it out of the socket is sits into? Or did I do more damage than that? Any nudge in the right direction would be much appreciated. Thanks, Doug