Shift Rod Cam Problem

[Oldsaltydog]

The motor is a 1998 Force Mercury 90HP. After rebuilding the water pump, as I was reistalling the lower unit, I must have done something wrong, because the splined shifting rod was pushed in and became disconneceted inside the gearcase, and now it flops around without doing any shifting, in fact, it can be pulled straight out. Looking at the diagrams, looks like the shift rod and the shift rod CAM became separated. How would you deal with this problem, besides taking the whole LU apart, or is that the only way? Should I order a new shift cam first? Please help.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Shift Rod Cam Problem

There is no other option. YOu will have to take the lower unit apart and replace the parts that are broken. Probably only one part. YOu should also get a seal kit before you do this. Here is a link to find the parts you need. YOu can copy the part numbers down and get them from a local merc dealer force parts 1998 90HP

 

[Oldsaltydog]

Re: Shift Rod Cam Problem

By shaking the LU left and right and all around, I finally managed to slide the cam back into place and slipped the shift rod back into it. All's well that ends well.