Shifting mercury 1978 1150

[Arronh]

Hi. I recently bought. 78 mercury 1150. When I bought it, it started and shifted into gear well. However, there was little water coming out of the telltale, and it hadnt been run in a long time. So, I changed the impeller. When, I went to start it, the telltale was strong, but it won’t shift into reverse or forward. It revs up, but the propeller doesn’t spin. Any advice? Thanks.

 

[jimmbo]

Odds are you didn't get the Upper and Lower parts of the Shift Shaft lined up when you reinstalled the gearcase.

 

[Arronh]

Yeah I think you’re correct. I took it back off and noticed it. Now that I’m noticing it, I can’t get it all aligned and bolted together....and it’s heavy!

 

[Arronh]

Yeah I think you’re correct. I took it back off and noticed it. Now that I’m noticing it, I can’t get it all aligned and bolted together....and it’s heavy!

 

[racerone]

They jump into forward gear when you are not looking !-----So put the gearcase in neutral.----Shift handle in neutral.---Assemble.-------Or find the instructions on the Mercury page at the top.----This mistake gas been made numerous ( thousands ) of times I believe.

 

[Arronh]

Got it thanks!

 

[Chinpoker]

Yeah I think you’re correct. I took it back off and noticed it. Now that I’m noticing it, I can’t get it all aligned and bolted together....and it’s heavy!

Here's a trick I use for helping in re & re'ing my lower unit get yourself a ratchet strap,hook on each side of the bottom cowl and run strap below the cavitation ractchet up/down slowly while being able to get a good look at upper and lower shift shaft lining up, I also utilize a thin pair of long needle nose pliers to jiggle upper shaft to mat up.

Your new Best friend in helping with lower unit/ gear case removal/install. Your very own second helping hands and no more miscommunication on when to lift :mad-new::facepalm:, and you won't have to ask anyone for a favor.