reattached lower unit, now its stuck in gear

nitram79

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 4, 2012
Messages
38
Hi everyone,

I just took the lower unit off my 3.3 mercury to replace the impeller which doesn't seem to have fixed the problem of no water coming out of the tell tale. I had it in neutral when i took it off. I had some issues with putting it back on but once i succeeded, it is now stuck in gear. what did I do and how do u put it on back to neutral.

thanks

marty
 

nitram79

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 4, 2012
Messages
38
Re: reattached lower unit, now its stuck in gear

I found another thread with the same thing under (Replaced water pump, now stuck in forward) I dont really understand the steps mentioned to fix it. something about the shift shaft (im guessing thats what the shift linkage that I had to loosen to get the lower unit off attaches to) what do I do to the shift shaft to make the gear box neutral?? pull it, swist it??

thanks
 

carholme

Rear Admiral
Joined
Sep 4, 2010
Messages
4,845
Re: reattached lower unit, now its stuck in gear

Marty;

The shifter and the LU must both be in the same gear prior to installation.

From 5B-16 of the manual:

1. Place shift lever in NEUTRAL position.
2. Tilt engine to full “UP” position.
3. Shift gear housing into NEUTRAL. Propeller will rotate
freely in either position.

7. Tighten bolt clamping upper and lower shift shafts.
With outboard in NEUTRAL, propeller shaft should
turn freely. If propeller shaft DOES NOT turn freely in
NEUTRAL, loosen clamping bolt and verify shift lever
and gearcase are both in NEUTRAL. Retighten bolt.
Reinstall access cover.

8. Verify correct shift operation. Propeller shaft should
turn freely in either direction in NEUTRAL. In FORWARD,
propeller shaft should turn approximately 90?
in either direction before stopping. If shift operation is
not as described, remove gearcase and inspect shift
cam and clutch for proper assembly.

If you want the manual, PM me with your engine s/n and an email address and I will send it to you.

Gerry
 

nitram79

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 4, 2012
Messages
38
Re: reattached lower unit, now its stuck in gear

Hi Gerry,

I understand about 3/4 of what your saying. If i understand correctly I dont have to take the lower unit off completely again. Just the inch or so till the linkage catches?? and how do I select neutral with the gear housing? do i spin the prop? or has it got something to do with the lower shift shaft? by turning, moving what?? lol
thanks
 

carholme

Rear Admiral
Joined
Sep 4, 2010
Messages
4,845
Re: reattached lower unit, now its stuck in gear

Marty;

Parts listing and manual sent. If you look under Shift Linkage(3.3 HP) in the parts list you will see item 14 where the upper and lower shift shaft connect. When the LU is removed you move item 12 up or down to make the gear selection. You should also be able to do the same through the inspection hole on the side where you reattach both shafts with item 14.

That inspection panei is seen in the service manual at 5B-3 figure 28112.

Gerry
 

nitram79

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 4, 2012
Messages
38
Re: reattached lower unit, now its stuck in gear

Ok cool Gerry,

I will get into it tomoro as its sleep time now. Thanks for the manual, your a legend :) will let you know how I go.

thanks again for everything.

marty
 

nitram79

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 4, 2012
Messages
38
Re: reattached lower unit, now its stuck in gear

Hi Gerry,

You the man. It worked :) I just accessed the shift shafts via the access cover (rubber plug) and got some needle nose pliers and had a fiddle with the gear changer and the lower shift shaft. I cant rememer if it was up or down, but I have them working the same now. I have sweet neutral again. Thanks again for everything, your descriptions are spot on. very helpfull indeed.

this post is completed
thanks
marty
 
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