Just bought a 1964 Merc 65 hp that sat a long time without use. Got it to start, but its stuck in forward gear. Searched these forums, and it sounds like the lower unit is not lined up on the shift shaft splines correctly? Possibly someone had it off before?
Before I tear into the lower unit, is there anything else I can try first? Could the gears just be hanging up from no use, and maybe I could get them to free up? Lower unit oil was fairly good but very slight milkiness. Shifter at top of motor seems to move properly by hand with the shift cable disconnected so I doubt its at that end. Please tell me there is something simple to try, other than dropping the lower unit, and re-aligning the shaft (which looks like it can be a pain in the arse to line up).
Thanks! All help and suggestions are much appreciated!
Before I tear into the lower unit, is there anything else I can try first? Could the gears just be hanging up from no use, and maybe I could get them to free up? Lower unit oil was fairly good but very slight milkiness. Shifter at top of motor seems to move properly by hand with the shift cable disconnected so I doubt its at that end. Please tell me there is something simple to try, other than dropping the lower unit, and re-aligning the shaft (which looks like it can be a pain in the arse to line up).
Thanks! All help and suggestions are much appreciated!