Help with a 59 mercury mark 58a

[big al 72]

Hi all I hope someone could help me out a bit . I have a 1959 merc mark 58A that i just changed the waterpump on and now i dont have reverse or nerural.iam wondering how to remedy this .Also iam having trouble starting it .I have good blue spark and good fuel to the carbs.It is a manual start and cranking it over is a real workout...lol. i got it to sputter a little bit and then i pulled it over again then it backfired.The timing looks good. iam new to the boating world and never tinkered to much with an outboard mostly cars and snowmoblies would not having it in neutral cause it not to start .Iam at my wits end so i help someone can please help.Thanks in advance...Alex

 

[Laddies]

Re: Help with a 59 mercury mark 58a

The unit needs to be removed and shifted into rev then shift the upper section into reverse and reinstall the unit. Try to open the low speeds 1/4 turn and see if it will start many engine that have set for a while get crud in the carbs

 

[big al 72]

Re: Help with a 59 mercury mark 58a

Thanks alot got it running and it runs great .Just got some fine tuning to do and some adjustments on the cables then iam gone fishing...thanks again....Alex