1969 Mercury 200 20hp - LU tighten, no shift

[tsutter]

Hi<br /><br />I'm working on a motor for a friend. 1969 Mercury 200 20hp with a tiller handle. I have it all done except for one thing: with the lower unit on, but not tightened all the way up, the motor shifts alright. However, as I gradually tighten it, it becomes harder to shift. Finally, with the LU all the way tightened up, the shift lever won't move. What gives? Any recommendations/tips for dealing with this?<br /><br />Any and all replies are welcome. Have a great weekend. Thanks.

 

[Laddies]

Re: 1969 Mercury 200 20hp - LU tighten, no shift

Ck to see if the reverse lock is binding up the linkage

 

[tsutter]

Re: 1969 Mercury 200 20hp - LU tighten, no shift

Thanks Laddies:<br /><br />I think that may be the case. How do I adjust the reverse lock?

 

[tsutter]

Re: 1969 Mercury 200 20hp - LU tighten, no shift

OK, I noticed a nut with a spring on it at the end of the reverse lock. I adjusted this nut out so it appeared to free up the reverse lock a little bit. But it was still hard to shift and no going into reverse. So, I tried to add a washer under the 9/16 nut at the top and front of the LU as well as another washer under the nut by the anode. This seemed to help some as now the unit will go into reverse but it is hard to do. Doesn't feel right.<br /><br />Oh yeah, the crankshaft seems to be mated correctly: the prop moves when I turn the flywheel and when the units in gear. Also, shifter seems to be mated well: forward - turn clockwise; neutral - turns both ways with no clicks; reverse - prop doesn't turn either way for more than a 1/4 turn.<br /><br />So what am I missing / overlooking?<br /><br />Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

[tsutter]

Re: 1969 Mercury 200 20hp - LU tighten, no shift

^^^^

 

[Laddies]

Re: 1969 Mercury 200 20hp - LU tighten, no shift

tsutter, I don't know which revers lock ser up your engine has, but usally the ones that give problem like your having are caused but the upper end of the lock rod falling out of the grove it is suppost to ride in, it's just got a little L bent on the end and rides in a mickey mouse plastic cam--Bob