can't get lower unit out of "forward"

[singersoll]

I removed the lower unit to replace the impeller and seals. Before replacing the lower unit I tried to move the shift shaft to change gears. There is over 180 degees of play in the shift shaft and I moved it little by little throughout this range but couldn't find anything except forward (i. e. clockwise turn of crankshft results in clockwise turn or prop). Perhaps I'm not turning hard enough on the shift shaft, but I'm afraid I will twist it off.
Any suggestions

 

[singersoll]

Re: can't get lower unit out of

Re: can't get lower unit out of

1965 vintage Mercury 1000 outboard, 100hp

 

[meddo]

Re: can't get lower unit out of

Re: can't get lower unit out of

The manual for my 115hp says to wrap it in tinfoil and carefully use plyers. I ending up turning mine using a pair of needlenose.

 

[mdshores]

Re: can't get lower unit out of

Re: can't get lower unit out of

Turn drive shaft clockwise and be sure prop shaft is also turning clock-wise which is Fwd. gear on right-hand rotation drives. If unit has jumped out of gear you may have to turn shift-shaft (little shaft in front) COUNTER-CLOCKWISE to obtain Fwd. gear.