1984 Mercury 60hp

[tm3912]

Hi guys, First post here. Today I pulled the lower unit and changed out the impeller. I went to try and start the motor from remote. I couldn't push in the throttle only button. I shifted to forward and it shifted REALLY hard. I tried to work it back and forth a couple of times, when i could feel something give. It started shifting much easier and the throttle only button would push in. However when I started it up the propeller was engaged. I have no neutral or reverse. The throttle only button pushes in but doesn't seem to do anything.

I then took the cowling off and notices that the shift cable had come undone (I assume when it would shift easier) I hooked it back up and now it shifts REALLY hard again and the throttle only button on't work again.

This is the first time I've tried starting it since last fall. So I don't know if changing the impeller and the hard shifting are related or just a coincidence. The boat was stored outside all winter (It was covered but still outside) I guess I'm looking for any advice. 1) why isn't the throttle only button pushing in? Why is it shifting so hard? Could it be the shift cable and if it is would that affect the throttle only button? Any help appreciated.

 

[carholme]

Re: 1984 Mercury 60hp

tm;

Did you ensure that the lower unit and the boat were in the same gear when you installed the lower unit?

Disconnect the shift cable at the engine and see if you can manually shift gears. Check the prop to see what gear you are in:

F: prop should not turn CCW
N: prop will turn freely in either direction
R: prop should not turn CW

Gerry

 

[tm3912]

Re: 1984 Mercury 60hp

Gerry, Thanks for writing. I have a couple of questions. How do I shift at the engine? by moving the lever that the shift cable is/was hooked to by hand? I just read your suggestions and did not try them today but will tomorrow.

I can tell you when the shift cable came undone the first time I had to push with everything I had to move the lever forward enough to hook the shift cable back on. Does this tell you anything?

Also I am 99.99 sure that I did not change anything when I took the lower unit off.

I'll let you know how the test with the prop turning goes tomorrow.

 

[carholme]

Re: 1984 Mercury 60hp

tm;

Yes, that is where you shift it by hand and there is a problem of some kind if it is that difficult to shift. At this stage of the game, I would drop the LU again and shift using the splines at the top of the shift rod to see if there is a problem in the LU. It won't take you long to do this and hopefully ensures that the LU is OK.
Let us know what you find.

Do you have the parts listing and a service manual?

Gerry

 

[Maxz695]

Re: 1984 Mercury 60hp

correct I believe you had the shift shaft in the worng gear when replacing drop the unit and make sure you have the shaft in neutral and the shifter in neutral before putting the unit back up also on the shift shaft inspect it to make sure you did no damage to the reverse lock cam

 

[tm3912]

Re: 1984 Mercury 60hp

Thanks Guys's I think I understand what I need to do. I'll post what I find, should do it this afternoon.

 

[tm3912]

Re: 1984 Mercury 60hp

Guys I can't thank you enough. I dropped the LU, and just for fun, tried shifting gears at the remote. It was free and clear so I knew you guys were on to something. I set the remote at neutral and then set if for neutral on the lower unit. (I wouldn't have known how to check without the prop advice above) Slipped the LU back on, tightened the three bolts and check at the remote, works perfect. The throttle only button works also.

Without your advice I would have started at the remote box and messed everything up. So we have a success story, Thanks again guys you saved me some nice money not having to take it into the shop.