help - shifting problems

[jmhc]

I have a 1967/8 merc 350 that I am in the process of bringing back to life -- I have searched the forum to find a solution for the engine being stuck in gear -- I have removed the lower unit, rotated the shift handle to the forward position and replaced but the engine remains in forward!!! I do not have controls so I am moving the shift mechanism by hand inside the motor. From other posts I have positioned the shift rod in the full counterclockwise position but still stuck in forward. Does this mean I need to tear down the whole lower unit?

 

[Laddies]

Re: help - shifting problems

Some of the older mercurys had a shift interlock under the carb so the could not be shifted when the throttle was advanced to far, yours may have one and it could be stuck or not working right

 

[jmhc]

Re: help - shifting problems

there isnt anything blocking the shift lever -- the shaft rotates without any retrictions -- is there a way to shift the lower unit with it removed from the motor to get the engine synchronized? the shift shaft is not bent at all -- I tried several times today to install and remove the lower unit rotating the shift shaft to see if I could get any other gear besides forward -- no luck -- any suggestions would be appreciated