1960/61 Merc 400 shifting problem (no reverse locking cam?)

[Arawak]

Hi...

I have a 60/61 Merc 400 (essentially the same as a Mark 58A, I'm told) that I'm trying to get working. Motor runs well, but when I put it into gear it stalled.

Took off the lower unit to replace the impeller and have a look, and when I put it back I can't get it into gear at all. Before I ran the motor it did shift properly.

I bought the old pre-1965 dealer manual, it it seems to show some parts that I don't have. Specifically, an upper and lower reverse locking cam. This is the manual and this is my lower unit.

I have found mention that these parts are "obsolete" here but I'm not really sure what that means. Does this mean the parts are no longer available, or that they aren't required?

Turning the lower shift shaft manually does seem to put the prop in reverse/neutral/forward, but it takes many more turns than the shift lever could possibly make happen.

Anyone familiar with this vintage of motor and able to offer any advice here?

[1] Do I need these parts?

[2] If so, where could I get them?

[3] Any tips on reattaching the lower unit so that the shift lever is properly engaged?

I'm somewhat mechanically inclined, but is my first time working with an outboard. I have a friend helping who is a mechanic and familiar with outboards, but his experience is mainly with OMC so he's not sure here either.

Any help greatly appreciated!

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 1960/61 Merc 400 shifting problem (no reverse locking cam?)

Your motor will run just fine without the reverse lock cam. The only thing that does it lock the motor down when you shift into reverse. If you are gentle with the shift, you shouldn't have a problem with the motor kicking up. It is unrelated to your shifting problem. The parts can be found if you poke around. I may even have some in a drawer somewhere...

Your shift problem is a common issue - misalignment of the shift shaft splines. I prefer to set both the upper and lower shift rods in the neutral position when assembling (prop spinning freely). I think the manual recommends forward, but it is possible to go past the forward position. Neutral is neutral - no way around it. Put the lower unit back in place - checking for full shift travel before tightening all the nuts.

 

[Arawak]

Re: 1960/61 Merc 400 shifting problem (no reverse locking cam?)

Thanks very much for your reply, Chinewalker.

(My mechanic friend tells me that "obsolete" means that they are no longer made, for those who come across this thread wondering the same thing)

 

[Arawak]

Re: 1960/61 Merc 400 shifting problem (no reverse locking cam?)

Finally got some time to follow the advice above, and it worked perfectly.

Thanks again!