1973 mercury 200 20 hp

[jhaught]

I am currently replacing the water pump on my 73 merc. 200 20 hp. I have taken the lower unit off and placed it on a work bench as i am waiting to purchase pump housing,impeller and gaskets. Unfortunately this afternoon i knocked the lower unit off of the workbench on to the concrete floor (I KNOW) everything looks ok but i had realized that the shift shaft has a little play from side to side and up and down. I am not sure if this is supposed to be like that or did i damage it. Thanks

 

[bill_w]

Uh, you might wanna post this in the Merc section.

 

[thebubba]

If you broke it and need a replacement, I have one. There may be a little play in the shift shaft, but not a lot. How much are we talking here. Try turning it and see if it goes into forward, reverse, and neutral. If it does, you are probably ok.

 

[racerone]

Up and down play is normal.----Now turn the shift shaft with a pair of pliers and find nuetral.--------Put it back together with shift lever in nuetral and lower unit in nuetral.------Some folks prefer forward and forward , your choice.