Shifting problem

[2ocnorb]

I have an early 80's Mercury Model 200, 20hp engine that runs, but will not drive the prop. When motor is off and shift lever engaged, I can hear and feel that the lower unit DOES shift into gear (forward, neutral and reverse). I appears that something is wrong with the driveshaft between the motor and lower unit. Can someone fill me in on what is wrong, and if it is fixable? Thanks...Don

 

[Trent]

Re: Shifting problem

Sounds like the splines in the powerhead could be stripped or on the driveshaft. Drop the lower unit and take a look at the drive shaft. Look with a flashlight up at the powerhead also.

 

[2ocnorb]

Re: Shifting problem

Trent: If the splines are stripped on the drive shaft, the drive shaft probably can be replaced, right? But if it's on the power head...Is there any way of replacing those components, or are we talking major overhaul? OUCH!

 

[chewbacca]

Re: Shifting problem

probably spun the hub on the prop..<br /><br />When your on the water and u try move forward the prop moves slightly or nothing at all<br /><br />When your on land the prop spins a bit but doesn't go faster with accelarating.<br /><br />Probably the hub dude.. Looking at $100<br /><br />There is a technique to looking if your hub is cawked but u have to search it up.. All u need is a texta

 

[2ocnorb]

Re: Shifting problem

It very well be the prop. Never thought about that... The only thing is, I can turn the prop by hand and feel resistance on the gears when it's in gear. If the hub spun, would I still be able to do that? I read another member's similar problem and his outcome was the shaft sheared off above the drive gear in the lower unit... I guess I need to run it and see if the water pump works. If it does, then that would narrow it down to the lower unit/and or prop. Any other suggestions?

 

[chewbacca]

Re: Shifting problem

yeh mate<br /><br />but it will slip when in the water because remember its hard to move water.. Put your hand in a bucket of water and try move it around side to side with your hand open, there is alot of resistance.<br /><br />On the water usually the prop engages but then at a certain RPM it stops engaging<br /><br />Only way to tell is with the magic marker test. But i forgot how to do it

 

[2ocnorb]

Re: Shifting problem

Finally got around to removing the lower unit.... and it's definitely shot! Can't get the prop shaft or drive shaft out to tell what's actually destroyed. Got the water pump off, and drained the oil (and water!) out of the lower unit, along with lots of little pieces of metal...When turning the drive shaft by hand, it's apparent by the grinding sound and feel, that there are no gears left. Also discovered a crack in the lower unit housing, running from the prop to the gear housing. So...I now have a Merc 20hp engine, that needs a replacement lower housing with a long length drive shaft. Anyone out there have a spare one? What are the chances I can get a new lower unit and parts for this engine? Any suggestions?

 

[2ocnorb]

Re: Shifting problem

 

[2ocnorb]

Re: Shifting problem

I've tried all over the internet to find a replacement lower unit for this 1978 Mercury 200, 20hp, long shaft engine, with no luck. Anybody have suggestions of who I can contact that may be able to help me out? Engine S/N 4955274. Casting numbers off lower unit are 1627 & 6006.

 

[Skinsk]

Re: Shifting problem

You could try and have somebody rebuild the thing for you.. As long as the gears that have mushroomed haven't chewed a groove too deeply into the case..<br /><br />but at least a dealer could probably get it apart to check it out..<br /><br />Scott..

 

[Old Jarhead]

Re: Shifting problem

Early 80's 20 hp with shot lower unit. Hummm...<br /><br />It may not be worth the $$$ and aggravation of a rebuild or trying to find a used replacement lower unit.<br /><br />A new or good late model used O/B might be the wisest move. <br /><br />Just my .02

 

[2ocnorb]

Re: Shifting problem

Breakthrough !!! Believe it or not, I found a couple suppliers that actually still have these lower units available! I guess you CAN find anything on the internet! Thanks everyone, for all the advice! Bought the replacement unit from Laing's Outboards in Tonawanda, NY. 1-800-463-9001