Mercruiser unable to Shift

[etapatai]

I am having shifting problems with my pre-alpha mercruiser after I had replaced the coupler and I did use an alignment tool. It's a 1983 Chevy 305. I removed the stern drive and the lifted the engine to replace the coupler. And I also removed the lower unit to replace the impeller. And after re-installing everything back I am having shifting problems now as well as overheating problems.
After the coupler had "blown out" my engine started overheating. And after replacing the coupler and the impeller I am still having overheating problems. Any advise much appreciated.

 

[jtybt]

Re: Mercruiser unable to Shift

I hope you replaced the pump housing, too....got the water tube lined up from the lower to upper and got the shift levers all in forward as you mated the drive to the bell housing and didn't forget the SS washer between the lower shift shaft and 'foot'.

 

[etapatai]

Re: Mercruiser unable to Shift

I am very sure I did all of those things. But maybe I didn't adjust the shift shaft to the forward position correctly. While it is in forward do I adjust the shift shaft clockwise or counter clockwise? Also the over heating queestion. I disconnected the fresh water intake hose and hooked it to a garden hose and still the engine wants to over heat. Also with the lower unit off should the drive shaft be hard to turn and stiff (to turn the prop) and if so how much resistance should there be.

 

[swampboy]

Re: Mercruiser unable to Shift

I hope you replaced the pump housing, too....got the water tube lined up from the lower to upper and got the shift levers all in forward as you mated the drive to the bell housing and didn't forget the SS washer between the lower shift shaft and 'foot'.

Sorry to butt in,but I'm having a similar problem. I have a 1966 Gulf Stream with MerCriuser Stern drive. I Put a water pump kit in the lower drive unit. I followed the instructions per the manual and information I got off the forum. I put the remote shift in forward. I noted that the lower unit didn't have a separate ss washer between the lower unit and shift shaft. I compared the picture in the manual with my unit, and it looked the same. I lifted up the lower unit and it went up and stopped with about 1/2 inch to go and stopped. The shift shaft lined up with the upper shift unit. Everything was still in the forward position. I tried turning the Prop shaft conterclockwise, per instructions and still unable to get the drive shaft to ingage. Thanks