LU Problem (help help )

cajunrider

Cadet
Joined
Sep 4, 2002
Messages
11
I have a 76 Merc 50 with the following problem:<br />I dropped LU to install a new impeller, which went fine but never noticed that it was in forward at the time. Now when I put it in forward and turn prop by hand its in reverse and when in reverse the prop is in forward position.<br />How do I correct this problem? It was fine before I took it down so I know it is something I done. I put the LU in Neutral when I put the LU back in but the controls were in forward.<br /> Thanks in advance for any input you can give me.<br /> Ken<br /> :confused:
 

Reel Appeal

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 19, 2002
Messages
566
Re: LU Problem (help help )

Hi Cajunrider,<br /> Make sure the lower unit is in neutral(prop spins both ways).Remove the shift linkage bolt at the motor(powerhead).Remove the lower unit again.Put shifter/throttle at helm(dash)in neutral.Re-install lower unit.Replace the linkage bolt/pin and tighten.Must be done in this order!That should do it...Good Luck<br />Be careful not to move the lower unit shift rod when re-installing lower unit. ;)
 

cajunrider

Cadet
Joined
Sep 4, 2002
Messages
11
Re: LU Problem (help help )

Thanks Reel Appeal for info, another ? for you.<br />My neighbor said something about a shift dog or something like that has turned around in the L/U, I have no idea what he is talking about. And if it is so, how do I go about turning it back around?<br /> thanks ken
 

Reel Appeal

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 19, 2002
Messages
566
Re: LU Problem (help help )

Hello again,<br /> The shift rod coming out of the lower unit either twist's(left to right) or moves up/down vertically.Adjust that rod by hand.Spin the prop shaft(or prop).Is the larger driveshaft moving also?If so,your in gear.Move the shift rod to the position to make the driveshaft stop turning(check each time by turning prop).Once you find that,your in neutral.Put shifter in boat in neutral.Re-install L/U.<br />The shift dog is connected to the shift rod(all the same area).If you find neutral with the rod,the shift dog is in neutral also. :)
 

cajunrider

Cadet
Joined
Sep 4, 2002
Messages
11
Re: LU Problem (help help )

Hi again also.<br />I have done that, put it in neutral both in the l/u and control but it still shifts backwards when I put it in gear with the controls.<br />Ok lets take it slow, lets see if I can explain a little better. I can shift F N R from the shift shaft in lower unit, at one point I went one way past F and then shaft turned quite loosely around until it reaches a gear which was R then N but would be hard to put in F but no matter which way is right it shifts in R at l/u when control is in F. Would the reverse lock peice on the shaft contribute to the problem, also which way is the correct position its supposed to be in when in neutral.<br /> Thanks again<br /> Ken
 

Walker

Captain
Joined
Jun 15, 2002
Messages
3,085
Re: LU Problem (help help )

On that Merc. the shift linkage turns to change gear. There is no bolt at the power head. The shift shaft coming out of the L/U can turn 360 degrees, but will only be in the right position in one precise spot. You probably can't turn it with your hand, so use vicegrips but put a piece of rubber between the jaws and the shaft so you don't screw up the splines. Now turn that shaft, feeling for it to click into position. There are 3 places it can be. Reverse, neutral and forward. Don't even try to re-install the lower unit until you figure out exactly where the shift shaft is and what gear it will be in if you turn it just a little each way. When you are satisfied that you've got the L/U shift shaft figured out, put it in forward gear,put your control lever in forward and then put it together.
 

RICKRICK1

Ensign
Joined
Jun 24, 2002
Messages
926
Re: LU Problem (help help )

Walker has it right, both should be in forward gear, its easier as your shift linkage will line up better than trying to find neutral on both.
 

cajunrider

Cadet
Joined
Sep 4, 2002
Messages
11
Re: LU Problem (help help )

OK guys now what did what you all said and its no go when I shift forward it is still jumping into reverse gear. Also used manual lined up everything like it said to and still pops into reverse. the l/u shifted fine before with no problems. could the shift cam have turned bakwards in the l/u and if so how do I get it back without taking it all apart. Which in itself is a problem since the prop is frozen on. I had mechanic try to get it off with no luck.<br />Please help am really getting irked with this :confused: <br /> Thanks
 

ob

Admiral
Joined
Aug 16, 2002
Messages
6,992
Re: LU Problem (help help )

Cajunrider,without hooking up shift shaft to linkage ,can you manually turn shaft in forward position and verify it is in forward by turning flywheel in direction of rotation and observing if propeller is turning in forward direction?
 

cajunrider

Cadet
Joined
Sep 4, 2002
Messages
11
Re: LU Problem (help help )

Yes OB I can shift it manually into forward <br />Forward is kind of hard to shift into by hand and when in forward it seems it doesnt take much effort for it to jump into reverse, one click past forward,no neutral straight into reverse.<br />But turn back it goes F N R. When I set F on l/u <br />and F at shift lever under cowl matched up points like manual said connect l/u shift into forward manual (by hand ) jumps straight into reverse.<br />I am lost, can the shift cam be turned backwards? <br />How do I fix? Wanta buy a good motor lol.<br /> Thanks
 

Walker

Captain
Joined
Jun 15, 2002
Messages
3,085
Re: LU Problem (help help )

How could the shift cam be reversed. You said it was working fine and you did nothing but change the impellor. the way you are describing the movement by hand, When you said from forward it goes straight into reverse but when you turn it backwards it goes F-N-R makes me think that you are backwards in the direction you think the lower unit shift rod turns. Just for the heck of it put the lower unit in reverse and put the control box in forward and put it together.
 

cajunrider

Cadet
Joined
Sep 4, 2002
Messages
11
Re: LU Problem (help help )

Excuse me but I am not backwards I am just stating the facts and I did put it in forward and l/u in rverse shifted to neutral but would not shift in reverse by control box. Someone told me the cam may have turned backwards with all the shifting I had done by hand. When I drooped l/u the control box was in forward and I didnt notice so when I went to put the l/u back together I shifted the l/u into neutral and surprisingly went together like that. I bolted it up and went to neutral and then tried reverse with control box and it would not shift into reverse position on box. now with out cables hooked up with a little effort it will shift back and it goes into forward.the pattern is reversed, and I cant reverse the pattern no matter what I try.
 

Walker

Captain
Joined
Jun 15, 2002
Messages
3,085
Re: LU Problem (help help )

I'm not trying to be a smarta$$ Cajun, but the cam cannot be backwards. When you get F-N-R you are on the cam. On the othersides of F & R you are off the cam and all you will have is one gear. You have to have the shift rod on the cam before you put it together. I know you are getting frustrated but if all you did was change the impellor the L/U will go back on and work. You just haven't got it right yet.
 

bnassie

Recruit
Joined
Sep 23, 2002
Messages
1
Re: LU Problem (help help )

Hi all!<br />I had a similar problem with a 1975 Mercury 110 9.8 hp after I installed a new impeller. Lost R. Well after reading this post, I followed the instructions submitted by Walker. Problem solved, nightmare over. Total fix in a bout 15 min.<br />Many thanks,<br />Bobby
 
Top