Re: Problem with engaging drive and reverse
Matt: here are some tips for getting results from a board like this;<br />1.) Post once and wait for a reponse. Multiple posts on the same topic are rude and distracting to those trying to help you.<br />2.) Follow up with your posts...its great you fixed the cooling problem, those of us who posted to help would/might like to know how you fixed it. This info might help us, too, in the future.<br /><br />Now about your shifting problem. If your Merc 40 is like my Merc 500, your shift shaft probably moved while you had the lower unit off. The shift shaft is that short splined shaft on the front of your lower unit (looking down on the lower unit when its off). The shaft has three positions, representing F, N, R...just like the shifter. Before you drop the lower you need to note where your shift lever is (F,N,R) so you can make sure the shift shaft matches when you put the lower unit back on. Merc mechanics say to drop the lower with the lever in N, but experience has taught me that its easier going off and putting back on if the lever is in F. By now you've had a taste of how frustrating Merc lower units can be because the shift shaft likes to slip/move as you try to mate the lower unit with the motor leg. It's a hit and miss game that takes patience/practice. Put your shift lever in F or N, drop the lower unit and use a pliers to turn the shift shaft to gear where the lever is. When in F, the prop only turns clockwise, in N it will freewheel either way, and in R it only turns counterclockwise. Now put the lower unit back on and you should have all three gears. It may take a while and a few beers, but you'll get it right if you keep trying. Every Merc is different, but they are all picky about which gear to use when dropping/installing the lower unit...you just have to figure out their preference...kinda like dames.
