1988 Mercury 100 Shift Problem, no forward gear.

[Rinker captiva 206]

I have a 1988 Mercury 100 that doesn't shift into forward gear. I took the shift cable off at the engine and moved the shift arm by hand. I was able to get reverse to lock in but when I put it forward, the prop just wouldn't lock. It sounds like it wants to catch. almost like it's not engaging enough. Is there a shift rod that could be worn in the lower unit?

 

[racerone]

Was the lower unit off for waterpump work , yes or no ?-----In forward it ckicks turning prop clockwise.--Locks turning it counterclockwise.

 

[Rinker captiva 206]

I just got the boat. But that's what I was thinking that the shift spline is off a couple teeth . The prop clicks in both directions like it's not engaging all the way. From what I understand the clutch dog usually wears out reverse first if that's the case. I'm gonna take the drive off and shift by the shaft in lower unit to see if I can get forward to lock up. Thanks

 

[Rinker captiva 206]

Got the lower unit off. Tried to shift with a small socket over the shift shaft. Still skipped in forward gear. Took the carrier out of the gear housing and found that the clutch dog and the forward gear are trash. Leaning toward buying a SEI marine complete lower unit. This unit uses the 6 jaw gear instead of the 3 jaw gear. I would also have to buy the updated shift shaft as well.

 

[flyingscott]

SEI is a good choice but if it comes with a waterpump impeller in it, get rid of it and replace it with an oem before you install it.