Mercruiser apha drive stuck in forward gear

[model14]

I bought a 25 year old fixer-upper that has been sitting for 3 years outside with no cover. I can part it out and get my money back but I want to try and make it run. First mechanical problem I have run into is it is stuck in forward gear. With the shift control cable disconnected the shifter cable to the outdrive won't move. Prop turns forward with a heavy clicking sound but won't turn in reverse so I am assuming it is stuck in forward and not neutral. I am think the best approach is to drop the lower unit which I had planned to do anyway for water pump replacement. I figure I will be able to tell if the gears are screwed up or it is strictly the shifter cable stuck.
Do you think this is the right approach? Any suggestions for troubleshooting will be appreciated.
Richard

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser apha drive stuck in forward gear

I bought a 25 year old fixer-upper that has been sitting for 3 years outside with no cover. I can part it out and get my money back but I want to try and make it run. First mechanical problem I have run into is it is stuck in forward gear. With the shift control cable disconnected the shifter cable to the outdrive won't move. Prop turns forward with a heavy clicking sound but won't turn in reverse so I am assuming it is stuck in forward and not neutral. I am think the best approach is to drop the lower unit which I had planned to do anyway for water pump replacement. I figure I will be able to tell if the gears are screwed up or it is strictly the shifter cable stuck.
Do you think this is the right approach? Any suggestions for troubleshooting will be appreciated.
Richard

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,.... Ya, that's the right way to go 'bout it,...

After ya drop the lower unit, ya oughta be able to shift it manually from the lower unit,...

 

[model14]

Re: Mercruiser apha drive stuck in forward gear

Thought so, thanks.