I just purchased a used 1989 Mercury 70hp outboard and have one, what I hope is a minor problem. The previous owner said that $400 was just recently put into the lower unit. I purchased it for $800, is that a good deal? It runs great and is sure better and quieter than my 850 that threw a rod. The only problem is that the Neutral position on the control box is not in the strait up postition its either closer to R or N. When I put the motor in the water for the first time last weekend I had neither reverse nor forward. I then adjusted the cable to allow full engagement of the forward gear. Likewise I then would only get the famous ratcheting sound and no go when put in reverse. I never tried adjusting all the way in in to get reverse i was to woried about catching some bass, but will try this weekend. It's either two far adjusted towards forward or reverse, or start it ticking with the control box strait up then quickly put the box in the neutral position a, currently a little closer to reverse. Anything I can do to get that increased range of adjustment to put neutral back in the strait upward position with dropping the lower unit. (Budget is on the low end) What is the likely problem, wore clutch dog, Prolly wore shift cam lobe? Haven't dissassembled a lower unit in years,(forgot alot of things, but have all the special tools). If the cam is wore where is it removed from the top of the lower unit under the shift shaft, and the clutch dog is on the prop shaft? The motor also shocks me through the steering wheel which is stainless. I'm guessing its shoking through the steering cable. What should it be grounded out to? Please help, <I'm losing my mechanical skills a little every day> Too much knowledge to little memory. Ha ha!
