which gear is lower unit in?

[tonypalpac]

i'm going to give another shot at realigning the shift tomorrow, before i do i wanted to ask what gear my lower unit is in...standing behind the prop, the prop moves clockwise with a ratcheting action, and does not move counterclockwise. thanks for the input

 

[hondon]

Re: which gear is lower unit in?

If this is a Mercury outboard, you are in forward gear.That's true ,in general,but if you have the latter non ratcheting gearcase the advice I just gave you is a crock.These companies are always changing the products they offer us ,so giveing advice without knowing very specifically what you have, could cause you uneeded work and worry,and expense.SO WHAT DO YOU HAVE?

 

[tonypalpac]

Re: which gear is lower unit in?

sorry about that...it's a mercury 65hp, early 80's model. thanks for the info

 

[Walker]

Re: which gear is lower unit in?

That shift shaft can rotate almost 360 degrees, but the proper shift position is very small. I suggest you play with the shift rod until you fully understand what position it is actually in. You need to find neutral. Very small movement either way from neutral will put the lower unit in either forward or reverse. Any other position will still be in gear but will not mate up correctly with the shift linkage.