Merc blueband 50 bitsa more gear selection problems!

[Nos4r2]

I looked at my merc 50 bitsa again and I seem to have a different problem to the one I thought I had.<br /><br />I have used the entire lower leg incl shift shaft from a 73 50hp blueband with the powerhead from an 84 blueband. The shift shaft is fouling on the bottom of the lower floatbowl before I can engage forward gear. Any suggestions? The gearbox itself is fine and selects F/N/R easily when the lower unit is off. I've managed to press the pin out of the top of an 84 shift shaft so I can transplant it, but it looks like it's going to be a long job. Will this work-are the shift arms at a different angle on the splines? I can't tell without removing it and I'd rather know before wasting a lot of time and effort!

 

[achris]

Re: Merc blueband 50 bitsa more gear selection problems!

Nos4rs,<br /><br />You will always run into problems when trying to use parts from different models of engines. The only real way to find out if it'll work is to try it. Unless someone here has done exactly the same botch job, then you'll be the only one to know, when you've finished the job. <br /><br />Then, years down the track, maybe someone else owns the engine and they have to try and repair it and will run into the same problems of which part fits what. I refuse to do this sort of thing for this very reason. <br /><br />I have a question for you. When you sell the boat/motor, what are you going to tell the buyer? It's not a 1973 engine, or a 1984. How will he get spares and repairs done?<br /><br />Chris.............

 

[Nos4r2]

Re: Merc blueband 50 bitsa more gear selection problems!

I agree-it's not the ideal situation but it was the best I could find without paying an absolute fortune. My biggest problem was that I need a short shaft as I only have a 15" transom but my boat's rated to 85hp, and I have to have an electric start or my girlfriend refuses to get aboard as she cant pullstart anything bigger than 25hp... The only other alternative I could find after a month of searching was a chrysler 55 but there's practically no spares available for them in the UK.<br /><br />It's near as dammit impossible to find a decent sized shortshaft motor here. People hang onto them if they work-and British prices are ridiculous-so dropping an 84 powerhead onto a short shaft that had a trashed powerhead was the only option.